ドイツ軍ぐん リトアニアに駐留ちゅうりゅう開始かいし 外国がいこくに単独たんどく部隊ぶたい常駐じょうちゅうは大戦たいせん後ご初はつ

As concern over Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine, grows in Europe, the German military has begun its deployment in Lithuania, one of the Baltic states bordering Russia.

This is the first time since World War II that the German military has stationed troops in a foreign country on its own.

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is strengthening the defense of its member countries in preparation for Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine. In Lithuania, which borders Russias exclave Kaliningrad and its ally Belarus, the German military plans to deploy units including its main battle tank Leopard 2, with about 5,000 personnel stationed there.

The inauguration ceremony for the unit was held in the capital Vilnius on the 22nd, and German Chancellor Scholz, in front of approximately 800 soldiers, said, We are aware of our responsibility.

He said, NATO can rely on Germany.

On top of that, he stated, The goal is to provide every financial resource so that the German military becomes the strongest conventional force in Europe, emphasizing his intention to contribute to NATOs defense more than ever before.

This is the first time since World War II that the German military has stationed troops abroad on its own. Lithuania was invaded by Nazi Germany during the war, but on this day, many citizens could be seen welcoming them.

Regarding NATO, amid views that the Trump administration in the United States is reducing its involvement, the newly inaugurated Merz administration this month has indicated a policy of significantly increasing defense spending, and Germanys presence is expected to grow.