German troop deployment in Lithuania strategic project: Lithuanian defense chief

BERLIN

A German brigade deployment is a strategic project for Lithuania, Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said Thursday.

Kasciunas, speaking at a news conference with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, in Berlin, said Lithuania has recently taken important steps and laid the foundations of the strategic project.

“Eighty-five percent of Lithuanian society supports the German military presence in Lithuania. We must now turn this into a success story. And we, as Lithuania, will do everything necessary to welcome your soldiers, so that they would feel at home,” he said.

Pistorius said Germany attaches great importance to the military mission and has already made important progress in preparatory work.

“The German brigade's advance contingent has been on site since April, and is making preparations for the staff responsible for the deployment, which should be on site by the end of the year,” said the German minister.

“Up to 5,000 soldiers will be gradually deployed to Lithuania in the coming years and provided that all requirements are met, the brigade will be fully operational by the end of 2027,” he added.