This is a continuation of escalating tensions: Peskov

Sending German soldiers to Lithuania and establishing a military base by 2027 creates hotspots of danger near Russia's borders, demanding special measures from Moscow to ensure its security. This was stated to reporters by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation. The information is provided by TASS.

“Negative,” he said in response to the question of how the Kremlin views Germany's actions.

“This is a continuation of escalating tensions, the creation of danger zones near our borders, which, of course, requires special measures from us to ensure our own security,” Peskov noted.

Earlier, Lithuania's Minister of Defense, Arvydas Anusauskas, announced that the first group of the Bundeswehr brigade assigned to the Republic, consisting of around 20 servicemen, was arriving at the place of service. It is expected that by the end of 2024, the personnel of the group will increase to up to 150 people. Military specialists will assess the relocation options, the condition of infrastructure facilities, and their compliance with Bundeswehr requirements.

Up to 80% of the units are expected to be stationed at a shooting range near the Rudninkai settlement in the Šalčininkai district (southern Lithuania), with the remaining units based in Rukla (Central Lithuania).

In mid-December 2023, the defense ministers of Lithuania and Germany, Arvydas Anusauskas and Boris Pistorius, confirmed the detailed plan for the deployment of the Bundeswehr brigade in the Baltic Republic. In the second half of 2024, the parties intend to sign an intergovernmental agreement, after which the transfer of units will begin. The brigade will be fully deployed by 2027, including 4,800 military personnel and 200 staff members. Its foundation will consist of tank and mechanized infantry battalions.