Germany responds to Putin with a deployment not seen since World War II

5000 German soldiers will be deployed outside their borders, in Lithuania: something not seen since World War II.

If Germany is mobilising so many armed forces, it's to protect its NATO ally from a Russian invasion. According to the Deutscher Bundeswehrverband, it's the first time in 80 years that the country will deploy such a large unit outside its borders. Christoph Huber, the brigade commander, stated that his unit had a "clear mission": "We're here to protect our Lithuanian ally and to ensure freedom and security".

"Putin disrupts Germany on all fronts"

Still according to the Deutscher Bundeswehrverband, the German brigade must be ready in two years, which is Germany's first objective, taking on the "pioneer role" in Lithuania. To elaborate, 150 soldiers are initially expected to settle in temporary barracks near Vilnius. By the end of 2025, this number should increase to 500. Permanent accommodation near the Belarusian border will be constructed gradually so that families can settle in Lithuania and children can attend local schools.

Boris Pistorius, the German Defence Minister, specified the cost of such a mobilisation: nearly 10 billion euros to strengthen the country's defence. "Putin disrupts the country on all fronts," he added.

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: DH - Illustration: ©Unsplash)