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German Troops Heading to Lithuania for First Time Since 1944

By James Seidel, CC News International

LITHUANIA– German armed forces called the Bundeswehr, confirmed on Friday that its troops will be stationed along NATO’s eastern flank in Lithuania, marking a historic milestone as the unit becomes fully operational by 2027. This will be the first time German soldiers are permanently deployed abroad since World War II.

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Brigadier General Christoph Huber, commander of the German brigade in Lithuania, emphasized the mission’s importance. “We have a clear mission. We have to ensure the protection, freedom, and security of our Lithuanian allies here on NATO’s eastern flank,” he said in a statement.

While Germany had previously deployed troops to Afghanistan, those missions were temporary. The new deployment in Lithuania is a direct response to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and its military presence near NATO territories.

Strategic Importance of Lithuania

Lithuania borders both Russia’s ally Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, both of which are strategic locations that would likely be central in any potential conflict between Moscow and NATO. The Baltic States, historically under Soviet control, have voiced concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, with Lithuania being a critical front line in that threat.

In December 2023, Germany and Lithuania signed a multiyear Roadmap Action Plan, aiming to bolster NATO’s eastern defenses. The agreement was hailed as a historic moment for both countries, strengthening their military ties and responding to the growing security concerns in the region.

Germany’s First Permanent Foreign Deployment Since WWII

Under the plan, Germany will station thousands of combat-ready soldiers in Lithuania by 2027. This marks Berlin’s first permanent foreign deployment since World War II, although Germany had sent a temporary contingent to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021. The newly created 45th Armored Brigade was activated in Lithuania during a ceremony outside the capital, Vilnius.

A temporary headquarters has already been established, and under the command of Brigadier General Christoph Huber, around 150 soldiers are currently stationed there, with plans for the brigade to grow to 500 troops by the end of 2025. By 2027, up to 5,000 soldiers will be stationed in the country, primarily based at a military training complex in Rudninkai, located 20 miles south of Vilnius. The construction of this facility is still underway.

Russian Threat and NATO’s Response

According to reports from Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the military, Moscow is preparing for a potential conflict with NATO. The German publication Bild recently stated that officials believe Russia’s preparations are intensifying, prompting further NATO military deployments in the region.

This deployment is seen as NATO’s most direct response to the perceived threat of Russian expansionism in Europe, especially as Putin’s actions in Ukraine have alarmed neighboring countries.

The Road Ahead

The 45th Armored Brigade will be operational by 2027, solidifying Germany’s commitment to defending NATO’s eastern borders. The unit will also be a key element in ensuring the security of the region as tensions with Russia continue to rise.

Germany’s Historical Context in Lithuania

It’s worth noting the historical significance of this deployment: during World War II, Germany occupied Lithuania from 1941 to 1945. After Nazi Germany’s defeat in 1945, Lithuania did not regain its independence. Instead, it was re-occupied by the Soviet Union and became one of the 15 republics of the USSR, known as the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic (LSSR). Lithuania remained under Soviet control until it declared independence on March 11, 1990, during the period of Soviet decline. This declaration marked a pivotal moment in the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union, and Lithuania was officially recognized as an independent state again after the USSR collapsed in 1991.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the presence of German forces in Lithuania marks a pivotal development in both the future of NATO’s defense posture and the security of the Baltic region.

James Seidel – Publisher, Journalist, Author. Investigator, Podcaster, Radio Talk Show Host, and Music Producer.