Berlin to send up to 1,000 troops to Lithuania as NATO strengthens defenses against Russian threat

Germany plans to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to Lithuania this autumn as part of the permanent German brigade being established there. The move comes as part of NATO’s efforts to reinforce its eastern flank in the face of a potential threat from Russia.

According to the newspaper Bild, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has approved the compulsory assignment of some Bundeswehr personnel after the number of volunteers proved insufficient to meet the brigade’s needs.

The first deployments could begin in the autumn and will involve fewer than 1,000 troops. The decision is not related to a general mobilization or to the reinstatement of compulsory military service for civilians. It affects only active Bundeswehr soldiers, who may be assigned to Lithuania even if they have not volunteered for the mission.

So far, around 60% of the brigade’s positions have been filled by volunteers. The greatest difficulties have been encountered in recruiting IT specialists, logistics personnel, cooks and riflemen.

Bild reports that compulsory assignments could currently affect up to 20% of the brigade’s positions. The Bundeswehr’s objective is to reduce this figure to around 10% by the end of September through efforts to attract more volunteers.

To encourage recruitment, the German military has conducted information campaigns and organized familiarization visits to Lithuania for soldiers and their families. However, because of the limited time available, personnel assigned compulsorily must be officially notified and have the right to challenge the decision through legal channels.

Germany’s plan calls for the permanent deployment in Lithuania of 4,800 soldiers and around 200 civilian employees by the end of 2027. The 45th Lithuanian Armored Brigade will be the first German combat unit permanently stationed outside the country’s territory since the Bundeswehr was established in 1955.

When it reaches full operational capacity, the brigade is expected to consist of around 5,000 troops and approximately 2,000 military vehicles. It is part of NATO’s strategy to strengthen defenses in the east following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Lithuania borders Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. It is also located near the Suwalki Corridor, which connects Poland with the Baltic states and is seen as a particularly exposed point in the event of a confrontation with Russia.

Berlin’s decision comes at a time when Poland is also increasing its security measures following several incidents near its border.

On Sunday, September 13, a Russian drone struck the engine of a passenger train traveling from Kyiv to Warsaw. The incident took place at Yahodyn station, in Ukraine’s Volyn region, near the border with Poland.

During the attack, Poland activated its fighter jets. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Donald Tusk called an emergency meeting attended by ministers, senior military commanders and intelligence service chiefs.

Tusk said that the coming weeks and months could be marked by an increase in Russian activity. He added that the possibility of the escalation affecting Polish territory could not be ruled out.

According to the head of the Polish government, Russia’s actions are becoming a direct security problem for NATO member states bordering Ukraine. This situation is increasing pressure to strengthen military readiness in Europe.