Russian threat: German troops arrive in Lithuania for first long-term overseas deployment since World War II

Lithuanian officials hailed a “historic event” after Germany began placing soldiers on Monday in the Baltic country and member of NATO, the first time since World War II in which German forces will remain out of the country in the long term.

About two dozen soldiers arrived in Lithuania, laying the groundwork for they will later be joined by another 150 this year. It is expected that by the end of 2027 become 5,000, the total expected amount.

“This is the first time that we have such a unit permanently outside Germany,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorious said during a farewell ceremony in Berlin for the preliminary command of the German Lithuanian Brigade, according to the news agency German press dpa.

In Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said the move was “a great example” for all countries. on the eastern flank of NATO, on the border with Russia and its ally Belarus.

“We will create such a defense and deterrence architecture that no Eastern adversary will even think of testing NATO’s Article 5,” he told reporters.

Article 5 on collective defense is a key element of the 32-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Claims that an armed attack against one or more members It will be considered an attack against everyone.

Around 4,800 German Army soldiers and around 200 civilians will have its permanent headquarters in Lithuaniaincreasingly worried about the aggression of her neighbors.

Under an agreement, Lithuania is preparing military bases so that the German brigade is stationed in this Baltic state bordering the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad to the west and Belarus to the east.

First time

This is the first time Germany it creates a post on its own, not as part of a multinational force.

The German army the Bundeswehr, has participated since the 1990s in long-term operations abroad, first in the Balkans and then in combat operations in Afghanistan. For the moment, the Bundeswehr He says there are German soldiers deployed in Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as the Mediterranean.

However, this is the first independent and permanent German deployment, not rotating as part of a multinational force.

Kasciunas said the German brigade should reach full operational capability by 2027.

“For us this means more effective deterrence against the enemy and even greater security. This is an example of exceptional leadership and commitment as we truly see NATO unity and collective defense in action,” added Lithuanian Defense Chief Valdemaras Rupsys.

According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, it is expected that until a third of soldiers bring their families with them.

Pistorius said Germany “will do everything possible to equip the brigade as necessary right from the start.”