There have been no indications in communications with the United States that Washington is preparing to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Latvia, the Latvian Ministry of Defence said.
According to the ministry, the U.S. administration has maintained close dialogue with Latvia and other allies on aligning U.S. military capabilities in response to Russia’s aggression and growing security challenges beyond Europe.
The ministry stressed that there have been no signs of any planned reduction of U.S. forces in Latvia. It also noted that troop rotations have recently taken place at both Ādaži Military Base and Lielvārde Air Base.
“U.S. troops will continue to be part of NATO’s military presence in Latvia and the Baltic region, including participation in joint exercises across Europe. We see this as recognition of Latvia’s significant contribution to strengthening both its own security and that of NATO. Today, the Alliance is stronger and more united than ever,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) reported this week that most U.S. troops previously stationed in Estonia have been withdrawn, although a new rotational unit is expected to arrive later this summer.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur told ERR that NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the commander of U.S. Army Europe had informed him that the next U.S. contingent is expected to arrive in Estonia this summer and remain until the end of the year.
However, Pevkur said the size of the incoming unit has not yet been determined, and there is currently no information about future troop deployments beyond this year
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