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On 18 December, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabriel Landsbergis, met German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius. During the meeting, Landsbergis noted that the deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania was the priority of the Lithuanian Government and therefore attempts were made to ensure the best conditions for German troops and their families.

“Germany’s decision to deploy a brigade in Lithuania is a strategic element of NATO’s deterrence against the possibility of attack. It is the only deterrent that speaks to the Russian regime," Landsbergis said during the meeting.

The Minister thanked Lithuania’s partner, Germany, for its strong partnership in fostering a rules-based world order, and welcomed the historic decision for both Lithuania and Germany – the plan for the deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania, which was signed today in Vilnius.

“Lithuania and Germany now have a much more similar threat assessment. The emergence of Zeitenwende is clear evidence of this. Germany’s decision to deploy over 5,000 troops in Lithuania is a decision of geostrategic, geopolitical and geo-economic importance for both countries. The implementation plan signed today by the Ministries of Defence shows that preparations are well under way to fully deploy the brigade in Lithuania in just a few years’ time. While the brigade is first and foremost an investment in our collective NATO security, there is no doubt that it will also serve as a catalyst to bring our societies closer together. More Germans will discover Lithuania and cooperation between the two countries will grow," the Minister noted.

The meeting focused on the German brigade in Lithuania, regional security and defence, and support to Ukraine (bilateral and through the European Peace Facility).

The Minister said that Germany’s support for Ukraine, especially its military support, was very much appreciated. More efficient and responsive military support to Ukraine is essential for Ukraine's victory.