Germany Permanently Stations Combat Brigade in Lithuania

The Federal Government of Germany is permanently stationing a combat brigade, Panzerbrigade 45, in Lithuania to protect NATO's eastern flank. By the end of 2027, approximately 5,000 German soldiers will be based in the country. This move represents the first permanent overseas deployment for the Bundeswehr since its founding in 1955.

The initiative was driven by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the 2023 relocation of Wagner Group fighters to Belarus. The deployment aims to provide stronger security guarantees to Lithuania and serve as a deterrent against Russian aggression and hybrid threats emanating from Belarus.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys described the deployment as a key to peace and success. Meanwhile, Belarusian exiled opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has characterized Belarus as a military backyard for Russia, noting that the country's infrastructure and enterprises are being used to support Russian military capabilities. Public reception to the move is split, with over 80% support in Lithuania compared to 49% support in Germany as of 2023.