On Sunday in Vilnius, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda met with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss key issues regarding support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.

Nauseda shared insights on social media platform X regarding their discussions: "We talked about close defense cooperation, support for Ukraine, the need to apply pressure on Russia, and strategic investments in military mobility. Germany remains our key ally in ensuring security and stability in Europe."

Steinmeier remarked that the decision to deploy a German brigade is a significant commitment from Berlin towards the security of Lithuania, LRT reports.

"By deploying a brigade in Lithuania, we demonstrate our long-term commitment: your security is our security. This new brigade reaffirms our mutual responsibility and dedication to the Alliance. We recognize that protecting Lithuania is also protecting European values," Steinmeier said during the flag-raising ceremony on July 6.

In the summer of 2022, Berlin pledged to station a military unit in Lithuania comprising up to a brigade. Overall, around five thousand German military personnel and civilians are expected to be deployed, some of whom will arrive with their families.

The majority of the brigade is expected to be moved to Lithuania by 2026. According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the brigade will become fully operational by 2027.

The German brigade will be permanently stationed at a military training ground near the towns of Rukla and Rudninkai.