German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Berlin is firm in its resolve to defend the Baltic states against Russian aggression. His comments came on a visit to Lithuania, where German troops are to deploy permanently.
While visiting German troops in Lithuania on Monday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany was prepared to defend every centimeter of NATO-allied territory in the face of any new threats.
The visit underscores the strategic importance of Lithuania, as well as the other Baltic states of Latvia and Estonia, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Scholz was visiting as Germany prepares to permanently deploy a Bundeswehr brigade of some 4,800 soldiers to support Lithuania’s security. It is the first time that postwar Germany is to permanently station troops outside its borders.
“Germany stands unwaveringly on the side of the Baltic states,” said Scholz, underlining that Berlin would adhere to its Article 5 commitments as part of NATO.
The three NATO and EU Baltic countries are ardent supporters of Kyiv and fear they may one day be targeted by the Kremlin’s military aggression. All thee Baltic nations share a border with Russia and were once part of the Soviet Union.
The Washington Treaty, the founding basis of NATO, stipulates in Article 5 that an armed attack on any member will be deemed an attack against all.
“This means that we protect each other and that every state can rely on us to protect every centimeter of their territory.”
The Bundeswehr division will start to arrive in 2025 and is planned to reach full fighting readiness in 2027.
Scholz met Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda at the Pabrade Training Area, a major military facility near the Belarusian border. The troops he met were taking part in NATO exercises taking place there.
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda at the Pabrade Training Area, a major military facility near the Belarusian border. Office of the President of Lithuania.
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