Vilnius (dpa) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised Lithuania further army help for its defence in opposition to a attainable Russian assault. “We’re resolved to extend our contribution,” Scholz stated after talks with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and the heads of presidency of all three Baltic states within the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.
The chancellor introduced that Germany’s engagement was to be developed “with a view to creating a strong fight brigade”. He additionally promised: “As allies inside Nato, we really feel dedicated to one another and we’ll defend each inch of Nato territory within the occasion of an assault.”
Presently, a German-led Nato battalion of 1,600 troopers is stationed in Lithuania – of which greater than 1,000 belong to the Bundeswehr. A brigade often consists of about 3,000 to five,000 troopers. Scholz’s go to to Lithuania marked the primary time because the starting of the Ukraine warfare that he had visited a Nato nation that borders Russia and feels notably threatened. Within the capital, he met with Nauseda and the heads of presidency of all three Baltic states, together with Latvia and Estonia.
Estonia and Latvia welcomed Germany’s pledge. “We very a lot recognize Germany’s efforts as a Nato framework nation to strengthen the defence of Lithuania and the Baltic States. Because of this we really feel safer and aren’t alone,” stated Estonian head of presidency Kaja Kallas.