“As a host country, we are determined to provide the best possible conditions for German soldiers and their families on our soil. I am happy with the progress of the deployment of the brigade, but our strategic security environment requires an even faster pace, we do not have the luxury of wasting even a single minute”, G. Nausėda said on Monday during the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“Once again, I want to assure everyone that permanent deployment of the brigade in Lithuania as quickly as possible is an absolute priority for Lithuania. It is our duty, mission and responsibility to implement it,” he added.
He welcomed the initiative to assign an additional Patriot system to Ukraine
The President also welcomed Germany’s initiative to provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot anti-aircraft defense system. According to him, Lithuania will contribute radar systems to the initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
“We discussed the ongoing brutal Russian war in our neighborhood in Ukraine. I highly appreciate Germany’s initiative and leadership to take immediate steps to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and the decision to send an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Lithuania will join your initiative, we plan to help Ukraine with the necessary air space radar systems”, G. Nausėda said on Monday during the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Back in mid-April, during a joint meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, O. Scholz noted that Berlin had announced the transfer of the third Patriot system to Kyiv.
Mr. Stoltenberg also called Germany’s decision to transfer another Patriot system to Ukraine “an example that other Alliance partners should follow.” He welcomed the further arms supply, which, in addition to Germany, was announced by Great Britain, the Netherlands and other countries.
German chancellor: the deployment of the brigade in Lithuania shows our commitment to the Baltic states
In turn, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that the permanent deployment of the country’s military brigade in Lithuania shows Germany’s responsibility in the common defense system of the NATO alliance.
“This is precisely why we are deploying the entire brigade here in Lithuania, and this is our, Germany’s, contribution to deterring any threat on NATO territory. We strongly support our partners in the Baltic countries”, O. Scholz emphasized at the press conference at the Pabradė training ground.
According to the German chancellor, the country has been showing its responsibility to its partners since 2017 by leading a multinational combat group of forward forces, which includes a total of 1,600 soldiers from 6 countries. Also, according to the chancellor, Germany demonstrates its responsibility to its partners by preparing to deploy a permanent brigade in Lithuania and by participating in joint military exercises with its allies.
The ongoing military exercise “Big Quadriga 2024”, according to the chancellor, is the largest since the Cold War.
According to the chancellor, Germany’s commitment to allocate 2% for the defense of its gross domestic product (GDP) also demonstrates the country’s strong desire to ensure the security of the alliance members.
“We have chosen this path of security and we intend to continue on this path because security is not free. We set ourselves the task of equipping our soldiers as best as possible, preparing them. A special fund has been specifically created for this purpose, where funds for defense are provided, and we have also undertaken a guarantee that we will provide 2%. for the defense of our common domestic product”, said O. Scholz.
ELTA reminds that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is visiting Lithuania on Monday. During the visit, he met with G. Nausėdas at the training ground of General Silvestros Žukauskas.
The head of the country and the chancellor discussed issues of support to Ukraine, Germany’s contribution to strengthening Lithuania’s security, and the process of permanent deployment of the German brigade in the country.
In Pabrade, the leaders of the countries will also observe the Grand Quadriga exercises of the German armed forces.
In April, the first element of the German brigade arrived in Lithuania – over 20 soldiers who will be responsible for planning the brigade’s transfer to Lithuania and coordinating the requirements for the military infrastructure. Also, by the end of the year, the primary element of the headquarters, which will be raised, will help with the transfer of German soldiers to the country.
In total, it is intended to transfer about 5 thousand people to Lithuania. Soldiers and civilians of the German brigade. Some of them will come with their families.
It is planned that the majority of the brigade will be transferred to Lithuania by 2026. According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the brigade will gain full operational capacity in 2027.
Berlin undertook to deploy a brigade-sized military unit in Lithuania in the summer of 2022 – such an agreement is provided for in the communique signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Gitan Nausėda.
