U.S. soldiers arrive in Lithuania for military exercises Saturday.<br /> <br />Washington wants to reassure its eastern European allies that NATO will protect them, should they face Russian aggression as in Ukraine.<br /> <br />Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite (dal-LEH GREE-bohsk-eye-teh) welcomed the troops at the airbase.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT, DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, SAYING:<br /> <br />"Today we know, that our freedom and security are a matter of utmost significance to our allies."<br /> <br />U.S. Major General Richard Longo reiterated NATO's commitment to Lithuania's security.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. MAJOR GENERAL, RICHARD LONG, SAYING:<br /> <br />"With our persistent presence of training soldiers. Let me make this clear: should Lithuania need NATO, I guarantee, NATO will be there."<br /> <br />A total of 600 U.S. troops will be deployed to Poland and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for infantry exercises.<br /> <br />They are expected to remain in the region
