Germany has dispatched troops to bolster the defense of Lithuania, responding to heightened concerns over Russian military activity in Europe. This deployment marks a significant shift as German soldiers receive a warm reception.
Audio Duration: 7:24 minutes. German forces were seen at their base in Vilnius, Lithuania, in May. This deployment underscores Germany’s increased readiness to safeguard Europe, countering the dwindling support from the United States.
Credit: Andrej Vasilenko for The New York Times
Reporter: Christopher F. Schuetze
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Published: May 30, 2026, 12:01 a.m. ET
In his Lithuanian restaurant, Liutauras Ceprackas expressed concerns about a potential Russian invasion. With a 15,000-strong army, he questioned Lithuania’s capacity to thwart an attack. Doubts also lingered about NATO’s US-led support.
Ceprackas, 51, considers the permanent stationing of German troops in Lithuania reassuring. He noted the historical context, three generations after Nazi Germany’s WWII occupation.
“If a German soldier is harmed,” Ceprackas remarked, contemplating a conflict with Russia, “it will mean war with Germany,” thereby suggesting deterrence.
Germany’s 45th Armored Brigade marks the first full battle brigade stationed abroad since the fall of Nazi Germany over eight decades ago. Its presence in Lithuania signals Europe’s rapid changes amid fears of Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.
The brigade’s deployment reflects Germany’s readiness to be Europe’s protective force, especially with US support under President Trump becoming uncertain. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a ceremony in Vilnius, committed to building Europe’s largest conventional armed force.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany addressed the audience in Vilnius during the 45th Armored Brigade’s ceremony. This brigade will have a constant presence in the Baltic region.
Credit: Mindaugas Kulbis/Associated Press