More German troops arrive near Russian border
Berlin has deployed the first soldiers from a promised 4,800-strong force to Lithuania | Germany has sent an advance military team to Lithuania as part of plans for a full-strength armor brigade permanently stationed in the Baltic state, which borders Russia. Moscow has described the mission as a threat that requires “special measures” in response. ● German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was among those to see off 21 military service members and civilian employees who departed on Monday from Berlin to Vilnius. The minister praised the Bundeswehr deployment as “a clear signal of solidarity” with Germany’s fellow NATO member.
■ Poland will defend Lithuania even if NATO’s Article 5 not triggered, president says (Anadolu)