Chancellor Olaf Scholz Announces Deployment of Long-Term Bundeswehr Brigade in Lithuania Amid Security Concerns Related to Russia's Activities

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the deployment of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania on a long-term basis in response to security concerns related to Russia's activities. Germany aims to strengthen its military to become the backbone of deterrence and collective defense in Europe, and to fulfill the NATO spending target of 2% of GDP. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the need to support Ukraine to prevent a Russian victory, which he deemed a danger for NATO.