German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured NATO partners in the Baltic Sea region of Germany's reliable military defence support during a visit to the region on Monday.
"Germany stands firmly at the side of the Baltic states," Scholz said in Pabradė, Lithuania, where he visited Bundeswehr soldiers.
Germany's commitment with the Bundeswehr is serious, he added, referring to the country's obligation to stand by NATO. "And that means that we provide each other with protection and that all states can rely on us to defend every inch of their territory."
Scholz's trip underscores the strategic importance of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
The three NATO and EU countries are among Kiev's most ardent supporters and fear the Kremlin's military aggression will not stop at Ukraine. They all share a border with Russia and were once part of the Soviet Union.
Reflecting this new reality on NATO's eastern flank, Germany is preparing for the deployment of a permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania numbering around 4,800 soldiers. The aim is for the unit to reach full combat readiness by 2027.
A preliminary detachment has arrived. Soldiers from the Bundeswehr's 10th Armoured Division are also currently taking part in a major NATO exercise in Lithuania.
Scholz met the Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda at the Pabradė military training area. He plans to travel on to the Latvian capital Riga, where he meets with the prime ministers of the three Baltic states.
The talks with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė will focus on issues including security and defence policy.
A joint press conference is expected in the early evening.
The permanent stationing of the brigade in Lithuania is progressing at a rapid pace, Scholz said. This is the most important sign "that this is important to us and that it will now succeed."
Germany is investing massively in expanding its defence capabilities, Scholz said. "This is also linked to the decision that investment in the Bundeswehr will comprise the 2% of our economic output in the long term, year after year. That has been achieved this year and will not change again."
He emphasized the importance of further military aid for Ukraine, especially for air defence against Russian attacks.
The fact that Germany is providing Ukraine with a third Patriot air defence system should serve as an example to others, he said. This is "also the desire to signal to others that they will also join in, because we will not be able to wait until new systems are produced."
Scholz said, "We must ensure that more air defence options are made available to Ukraine from existing stocks."
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
It’s reassuring to see Germany’s commitment to NATO partners in the Baltic Sea region, especially in the current geopolitical climate. Olaf Scholz’s visit and pledge for military support highlight the importance of solidarity within the alliance. Let’s hope for continued cooperation and peace in the region.
It’s reassuring to see Chancellor Scholz affirming Germany’s unwavering military support for our Baltic allies. This commitment is crucial in times of escalating tensions and strategic challenges in the region.
It’s reassuring to see Germany’s unwavering commitment to supporting NATO partners in the Baltic region. Chancellor Scholz’s visit underscores the importance of cooperation and defense solidarity in the face of current threats. Kudos to Germany for stepping up and standing by its allies.
As a German, I am proud of Chancellor Scholz’s commitment to supporting our NATO partners in the Baltic Sea region. It’s essential for Germany to stand united with the Baltic states in ensuring collective defense against any potential threats. Scholz’s visit and the deployment of the Bundeswehr brigade demonstrate our unwavering dedication to NATO’s principles and the security of our allies.