First deployment since WWII, Germany sends 4,800 troops to Lithuania.
Germany just made a historic move sending troops to NATO's border with Russia for the first time since World War II. Chancellor Friedrich Merz traveled to Lithuania to formalize the creation of the 45th Armored Brigade - a 4,800-soldier strong force positioned directly at Russia's doorstep.
This marks the first time German soldiers have been permanently stationed abroad since 1945. The deployment comes as tensions with Russia remain high after Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "Together with our partners, we are determined to defend alliance territory against any aggression," Merz declared during the ceremony. Lithuania's strategic position is critical - sharing borders with both Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad region.
President Gitanas Nausėda expressed deep gratitude, calling the deployment a vital security guarantee against potential Russian threats. The brigade won't reach full operational capacity until 2027, but sends an immediate message to Moscow: NATO stands united against any further aggression toward former Soviet territories.