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Why the Thanks for German Tanks
- On May 22, 2025, Germany officially established the 45th Armored Brigade 'Lietuva' in Vilnius, marking the country’s first enduring foreign military presence since the end of World War II.
- This deployment responds to Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine and NATO's need to strengthen its eastern flank amid heightened regional tensions.
- The brigade, consisting of approximately 4,800 troops and 200 civilians, will be fully established by 2027 near Lithuania's border with Russia's Kaliningrad and Belarus.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized Germany's responsibility in securing NATO's eastern border by committing to a permanent military presence in Lithuania, acknowledging the challenges posed by potential escalation and financial pressures.
- The deployment reinforces NATO deterrence and European security, but it also stretches Germany's military budget and risks retaliatory actions, reflecting a significant strategic and political shift.
39 Articles
39 Articles
The Christian Science Monitor
Why the thanks for German tanks
Tiny Lithuania on the Russian border welcomed the first permanent deployment of German forces on foreign soil since World War II. Germany welcomed the gratitude for its transformation into a trusted leader of Europe.
On Thursday, Chancellor Merz and Minister of Defence Pistorius travelled to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius to serve a German tank brigade there. Merz mentioned the event as a "new era".
The Bundeswehr Brigade in Lithuania has been officially put into service with a ceremonial ceremony. Chancellor Merz and Minister of Defence Pistorius attended the so-called "Aufstellungsappell" in the capital Vilnius.
The stationing of the Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania shows that Germany's political leadership has finally broken away from the former Russia policy.
The chancellor and the Minister of Defence are responsible for the establishment of the Lithuanian Brigade of the German Armed Forces in Vilnius. It is said to be a signal to Moscow, but there is also criticism.
In the Lithuanian capital, the first brigade of the Bundeswehr permanently stationed abroad is put into service. Around the solemn appeal German soldiers and Lithuanian civilians are slowly approaching.
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