The German armed forces began the permanent deployment of troops in Lithuania this Monday.a measure aimed at strengthening the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance following the security agreement signed between Berlin and Vilnius in mid-December.

German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius called the day an “important” date for the German armed forces (Bundeswehr)partly because this is the first time Berlin has stationed this type of troops abroad on a permanent basis.

The first detachment included about about twenty soldiers, although it is expected that there will be thousands over time German soldiers are stationed in Lithuania, a NATO member country that shares border with Russia through the Kaliningrad exclave, as well as with Belarus.

“I know there is still a lot to be done, even on the ground. The infrastructure must be good, the barracks must be (…) The Lithuanian side still has a lot to do (…) We will do our best to staff the team as it should be.“Pistorius emphasized.

Authorities Germany and Lithuania ratified the military agreement in mid-December for the deployment of German troops in the cities of Vilnius and Kaunas for service at the Rudninkai and Rukla bases. The troop deployment process is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

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The German detachment will consist of almost 5,000 troops. corresponds to five battalions, including tank and artillery divisions. According to Lithuanian radio and television a few months ago, German migrants will travel with their families due to a long rotation period. LRT.

Europe Press