Germany Orders Historic Military Deployment, First Since WWII

Germany is deploying troops to Lithuania in response to mounting fears of a Russian attack — marking the first permanent German military presence abroad since World War II.

Baltic States Warn of Invasion Threat

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have repeatedly sounded the alarm about a potential Russian offensive, citing growing instability on NATO’s eastern flank.

Lithuania Drafted ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ War Plans

Last year, Lithuanian authorities developed emergency plans for mass civilian evacuations in case of war, underlining the seriousness of the threat.

German Forces Will Be Stationed in Lithuania

Germany has announced the deployment of a full combat brigade to Lithuania. The move is seen as a direct response to NATO allies’ security concerns.

“We Have a Clear Mission,” Says German Brigadier General

“We have a clear mission,” Brigadier General Christian Huber told Newsweek, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to protecting its Baltic allies.

Full Operational Capacity by 2027

The brigade is expected to reach full strength by 2027, with 5,000 troops permanently based in Lithuania — a historic move for postwar Germany.

Russia Could Strike Through Kaliningrad, Analysts Warn

Germany’s Bild newspaper previously cited leaked defense documents warning that Russia could launch an attack via the Suwalki Gap between Kaliningrad and Belarus.

Suwalki Gap Seen as NATO’s Weak Point

A Russian assault through the narrow corridor of Polish-Lithuanian territory could cut off the Baltic states from the rest of NATO, according to German military analysis.

Temporary Bases Established Ahead of Full Deployment

Germany has already set up a temporary headquarters in Lithuania. About 150 troops are in place, with 500 expected by the end of 2025.

“Most Direct Response Yet” to Russian Threat

Newsweek describes the German move as “the most direct response so far” to the possibility that Moscow’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.

Ukraine: “More Countries Are at Risk”

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has long warned that if Ukraine falls, other countries will follow — and the global security system will collapse.

Shmyhal: “This Could Lead to World War III”

“If we do not defend Ukraine, the global security system will be destroyed… it could lead to many such wars and, ultimately, to a third world war,” Schmyhal told the BBC.