Reference News Network, February 7 report - According to the U.S. "National Interest" biweekly website, February 4 report, the German Federal Defense Force continues to gather forces in the Baltic region. This is the first time since the end of World War II that Germany has deployed a large number of regular troops overseas. This operation is part of a classified plan called "Germany's Plan," which spans 1200 pages, aimed at responding to Germany's concern about a possible military attack by Russia on Germany in the coming years.

As part of the reinforcement plan, two German combat battalions have arrived in Lithuania last month. It is expected that by 2027, more than 5,000 German soldiers may be stationed in Lithuania. The first group of 250 soldiers from the German Federal Defense Force's 45th Armored Brigade arrived in Lithuania in the autumn of 2024, marking the official deployment of German troops on Lithuanian territory.

These German forces will be stationed near the city of Rudninkai, approximately 30 kilometers from the border between southeastern Lithuania and Belarus.

Previously, Berlin had rotated military personnel to Lithuania, which borders Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad. However, the deployment of armored units by Germany to Lithuania marks the first time since the end of World War II in 1945 that Germany has officially stationed a brigade-level unit overseas.

According to the roadmap action plan reached between Berlin and Vilnius in December 2023, Germany plans to deploy 105 "Leopard"-2A8 main battle tanks operated by German forces to Lithuania. The deployment of German troops in Lithuania aims to deter Moscow and ensure that Berlin has time to respond if Russia launches an attack.

In May 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the German troops stationed in Lithuania: "Lithuania's security is our security. Defending Vilnius is defending Berlin."

According to Euronews, Merz reiterated this commitment last month.

Merz also said: "This brigade-level force is not a political symbol, but a military contribution for deterrence and defense."

The German brigade-level force stationed in Rudninkai will receive support from a multinational combat force composed of eight allied countries. The latter will rotate deployments to the area and base their operations in Rukla, central Lithuania. (Translated by Yang Xuele)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7604110064832315923/

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