Germany to permanently deploy a brigade in Lithuania

BERLIN

Germany will permanently deploy a brigade in Lithuania, as part of its plans to play a stronger role within the NATO, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Wednesday.

“Germany must assume a leadership role [in Europe]. That's why we now want to station a brigade permanently in Lithuania for the first time. We are showing our allies that we stand by their side, and that they can rely on us,” he said during a budget debate at the parliament.

Pistorius called the Ukraine war a historic “turning point” for Europe, which made it necessary for Germany to significantly increase its defense spending, and assume more responsibility for its partners.

He said Germany and its NATO allies have already started the work on the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania.

“The implementation of this decision will be in line with the NATO’s defense plan, and closely coordinated with our partners on the ground. The first planning steps have already been taken, now the necessary infrastructure must be created,” he said.

Lithuanian leaders have repeatedly warned that Russia will not stop in Ukraine, and asked NATO to beef up its presence in eastern Europe.

During his address, Pistorius also reaffirmed the government’s goal to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, in line with NATO demands.

He pledged continued military support to Ukraine, and said weapons supplied by Germany saved many lives in the country.

“Germany is the second biggest supporter of Ukraine after the U.S. and this support is of central importance” Pistorius said.

He also underlined the importance of combat training program for the Ukrainian soldiers, and said 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers will have received training in Germany by the end of this year.