The Minister of Defense speaks to the Lithuanian Parliament. He identifies dangers and makes a promise to the NATO partner on behalf of Germany.
In a speech to the Lithuanian parliament, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned of the dangers of Russia’s rearmament. “We are seeing how Russia is rapidly ramping up its weapons production and dramatically building up its armed forces. All of this leaves no doubt: for Russia, for (Vladimir) Putin’s Russia, Ukraine is just the beginning,” said the SPD politician in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.
He also assured: “The German armed forces are ready to become a central pillar of conventional deterrence and defense in Europe.” He also mentioned the role as a hub in order to be able to quickly move troops from the Atlantic to the eastern flank.
The German government has promised its NATO partner Lithuania that it will permanently station a combat-ready and independently capable combat unit in Lithuania. This brigade is to be operational by 2027. The step is a reaction to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and takes into account the changed security situation in Europe.
A permanent presence of up to 5,000 soldiers is planned, with their permanent bases in Rudninkai and Rukla. Initially, an interim solution will be set up in Lithuanian barracks near the capital Vilnius. There have been repeated doubts as to whether Lithuania is on schedule with its own preparations.
Source: Stern
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