Information
During his visit to Lithuania, Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized Germany’s commitment to defending NATO-allied territory against new threats. Germany’s decision to permanently deploy a brigade of 4,800 soldiers to support Lithuania’s security reflects its dedication to safeguarding the Baltic states, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, particularly in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Scholz reiterated Germany’s adherence to its Article 5 commitments within NATO, affirming that Germany stands firmly with the Baltic states and will protect every centimetre of their territory, underscoring the significance of collective defence within the alliance.
The deployment of the Bundeswehr brigade, scheduled to begin arriving in 2025 and reach full readiness by 2027, marks a historic moment as it’s the first time postwar Germany is stationing troops permanently outside its borders. The meeting between Scholz and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda at the Pabrade Training Area signifies the strategic cooperation between Germany and Lithuania, with Nauseda expressing appreciation for progress in the deployment while urging for swifter implementation. The deployment plan includes the formation of combat troop battalions from Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, along with a multinational NATO battle unit, aiming to bolster the alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence force in the region. This move also addresses concerns regarding potential flashpoints, such as the Suwalki Gap, seen as crucial areas in any potential standoff between Russia and NATO, highlighting the geopolitical significance of the Baltic region.
Source: AFP, dpa
So what
It is likely this is a move to counter Russian rhetoric against the baltic states and to deter them from conducting significant grey zone operations in the former Soviet countries. While the chance of attack by Russia was already low due to its membership in NATO, the stationing of these troops lowers that risk further.
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