Scholz: The deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania is a contribution to deterring any threat in NATO territories

The chancellor arrived in Lithuania on Monday. During his visit, he met with the Lithuanian leader Gitanas Nausėdas at the training ground of General Silvestros Žukauskas. O. Scholz thanked G. Nausėda, the German Bundeswehr for the opportunity to visit Lithuania.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is visiting Lithuania

(13 photos)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits Lithuania (Irmantas Gelūnas/ BNS photo)

The German chancellor was also happy with the German brigade stationed in our country, stressing that it is a “contribution to the deterrence of any threat in NATO territories”

“Germany recognizes its responsibility for security in the Atlantic Alliance, that’s why we are deploying the entire brigade right here in Lithuania, and this is Germany’s convincing contribution to deterring any threat in NATO territories. We firmly support our partners in the Baltic countries,” he said.

In Pabrade, the leaders of Lithuania and Germany will also observe the “Grand Quadriga” exercise of the German armed forces. During them, more than 3 thousand are redeployed to Silvestro Žukauskas training ground in Pabrade and Kazios Veverskis training ground in Kazlų Rūda. German soldiers and 200 pieces of military equipment, including Leopard tanks, Puma and Boxer infantry fighting vehicles.

O. Scholz noted that this is the largest exercise since the Cold War.

Gitanas Nausėda: The deployment of the German brigade is Lithuania’s main priority

G. Nausėda assures that the permanent deployment of the German brigade in the country is the main priority of Lithuania. According to him, the implementation of this goal is the responsibility of the state.

“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”, said G. Nausėda during O. Scholz’s visit on Monday.

“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.

Berlin plans to deploy the brigade in Lithuania until 2027. Germany has previously said that the pace of relocation will depend on Lithuania’s readiness to receive soldiers and their families, creating the necessary conditions.

At the beginning of April, the initial element of the German brigade in Lithuania arrived in Lithuania. More than 20 soldiers have settled in Vilnius and are responsible for planning the brigade’s relocation to Lithuania and coordinating the requirements for military infrastructure.

The brigade deployed in Lithuania will consist of about 5 thousand. soldiers The country estimates that investments in the military and training infrastructure necessary for the reception of the German brigade could reach 800 million. euros.

The German-led international NATO battalion deployed in Lithuania in 2017 will also be integrated into the brigade. It is intended to be done in 2026.

Germany committed to allocating 2 percent. from GDP for defense, continue to support Ukraine

According to O. Scholz, for the protection of NATO countries and Germany itself, the country makes massive investments in the Bundeswehr, trains and equips its soldiers.

“We have decidedly chosen this path of security and we intend to continue on it, because security is not free. We set ourselves the task of equipping our soldiers as best as possible, preparing them”, said O. Scholz.

The chancellor emphasized that a special fund has been established to strengthen defense in Germany, in addition, the country has increased defense financing from the gross domestic product (GDP).

“We undertake to allocate 2 percent for the defense of our GDP”, said O. Scholz.

The German Chancellor also noted that Germany is committed to continuing to provide support to Ukraine with its partners.

“Russia continues its brutal offensive war against Ukraine. She uses a wide variety of techniques to achieve her goals. This war has already claimed countless victims, many destroyed cities, destroyed infrastructure. And it continues without any remorse. Because of this, we committed and promised that together with our partners and allies, we will provide strong support to Ukraine and support Ukraine as much as necessary,” said O. Scholz.

He emphasized that Germany is the second largest supplier of support, especially in the field of weapons. According to the Chancellor, Germany allocates 28 billion to support Ukraine. euros.

“We will continue to be supporters of Ukraine,” added O. Scholz.

Gitanas Nausėda welcomed the initiative to assign an additional Patriot system to Ukraine

G. Nausėda welcomed Germany’s initiative to provide Ukraine with an additional anti-aircraft defense system “Patriot”. 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.

The article is in Lithuanian

Tags: Scholz deployment German brigade Lithuania contribution deterring threat NATO territories