BERLIN

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday called on Europe to develop its own defense capabilities amid what he termed "Russian hybrid attacks."

“We must counter the threat from Russia with strong European cohesion,” Wadephul said in a statement ahead of his visit to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius where he plans to discuss deepening cooperation with Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys.

The decisive factor is “that we are prepared to defend ourselves and our freedom more independently,” he added.

Wadephul stressed that Germany and Lithuania agree that only decisive action will help to dissuade Russia from further escalation.

To this end, the German government, he said, is working with Lithuania and its partners in NATO and the EU – with more controls in the Baltic Sea, greater vigilance and investments in more robust infrastructure.

Wadephul said both countries also agree “that we stand firmly alongside Ukraine – especially now, in this potentially decisive phase of international efforts to end Russia's war of aggression.”

Berlin and Vilnius are guided by the shared conviction that only a strong Ukraine and a defensible Europe can secure lasting peace on the continent, he added.

German tank Brigade in Lithuania

Wadephul was also scheduled to visit the German Tank Brigade 45 to provide enhanced protection for NATO's eastern flank.

The fact that Germany is stationing such a force abroad for the first time “is a sign of the seriousness of the situation, but also of the seriousness of our determination to stand by our friends and allies,” he said.

The combat unit was formally commissioned in April 2025, and is expected to be fully operational by 2027 with 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian employees.