Lithuania, a Baltic nation with a history of suffering under Nazi occupation in the 1940s, is now welcoming German troops, according to a report by The New York Times on May 30. As Russia poses a threat to Eastern European countries, Lithuania is embracing the presence of German and U.S. forces as a means of defense.
In Vilnius, a local chef, Liutauras Ceprackas, 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 asked, adding, "That’s why I expect them to keep us safe."
This sentiment reflects the fears of Lithuanians, who share a border with Russia. Lithuania borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, a close ally of Russia. With a population of 2.89 million and a military of only 14,000, Lithuania is vastly outnumbered by Russia's military forces. Many residents question whether NATO membership alone is sufficient to deter a Russian attack.
Despite its historical grievances, Lithuania welcomes the presence of German troops. The 45th Armored Brigade of Germany is noted as the first regular combat brigade deployed abroad since the fall of the Nazis in 1945. The report highlights how rapidly Europe is changing amid growing concerns over Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. The brigade is set to expand to 4,800 troops by next year. Former Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis 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 advised viewers, "If you see German soldiers, you should buy them a beer." A German officer recounted an encounter with a local jogger who thanked him in German for being there.
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. Today, Germany represents a democratic Europe, while Russia, especially in light of the war in Ukraine, evokes fears of invasion.
Lithuania is also seeking to host 5,000 U.S. troops as part of its defense strategy. According to reports, President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized earlier this month that over 1,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in a rotational capacity, stating, "Lithuania is ready to accept more allies and has all the necessary infrastructure for training and deployment."
Additionally, Lithuania plans to send 40 troops to support U.S.-led operations for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative is pending approval from the National Defense Committee and a parliamentary vote, reflecting Lithuania's commitment to attracting more U.S. forces even while sending a small contingent to the Iran conflict.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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