Germany deploys troops to Lithuania, strengthening NATO's flank

Germany has deployed a permanent military brigade to Lithuania, marking the first such deployment since World War II. This move aims to bolster NATO's eastern flank. Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated the armored brigade this week, emphasizing the security of Baltic allies. The brigade, with around 5,000 personnel, will be fully operational by 2027, strengthening defenses amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. This deployment follows Germany's increased defense spending and signals a commitment to European security. Lithuania, bordering Russia and Belarus, has also increased its defense spending in response to the regional security concerns.