Lithuania, a Baltic state with a history of suffering under Nazi German occupation in the 1940s, is now welcoming the presence of German troops, according to a report by The New York Times on May 30. As Russia poses a threat to Eastern European nations, Lithuania is actively seeking to bolster its defenses by hosting German and U.S. forces.
A chef named Liutauras Ceprackas, who runs a restaurant in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, expressed his support for the German troops stationed in the country. He noted that his Lithuanian customers are concerned about the possibility of a Russian invasion. "If the Russian army kills even one German soldier, wouldn’t that lead to war with Germany?" he said, adding, "That’s why I expect they will keep us safe."
This sentiment reflects the fears of Lithuanians living near the Russian border. Lithuania shares borders with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, a close ally of Russia. With a population of 2.89 million and only 14,000 active military personnel, Lithuania's military capabilities are dwarfed by Russia's larger forces. Many residents question whether NATO membership alone can effectively deter a Russian attack.
Consequently, Lithuanians are welcoming the presence of German troops despite their historical experiences of invasion. The German 45th Armored Brigade is recognized as the first regular combat brigade deployed abroad since the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945. The report highlights how rapidly Europe is changing amid growing concerns over Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. The German brigade is set to expand to a total of 4,800 troops by next year. Laurynas Kasciunas, a former Lithuanian defense minister, stated, "This brigade is strong and well-equipped, essentially giving Lithuania a second army."
Since the deployment of German troops began, a survey conducted by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense in December 2024 found that a majority of local adults support their presence. Local TV news anchor Andrius Tapinas even encouraged viewers to buy beer when they see German soldiers. A German major shared in an interview, "While marching, I met a local citizen jogging who thanked me in German for being here."
The New York Times noted that for many Lithuanians, the fear of the Soviet troops that withdrew in 1993 looms larger than the memories of Nazi occupation in the 1940s. Today, Lithuania views Germany as a representative of democratic Europe, while Russia is seen as a closer threat of invasion, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Lithuania is also seeking to host 5,000 U.S. troops that are set to withdraw from Germany. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda emphasized earlier this month, "More than 1,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed here on a rotational basis, and Lithuania is ready to accept more allies, having prepared all necessary infrastructure for training and deployment."
Additionally, Lithuania plans to send 40 troops to support U.S.-led operations in the Strait of Hormuz. According to LRT, this plan is pending approval from the National Defense Committee before a parliamentary vote, reflecting Lithuania's efforts to attract more U.S. forces even while sending a small contingent to the Iranian conflict.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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