Germany Calls on Europe to Build Independent Military Strength
Wadephul issued the stark warning before traveling to Vilnius, where he will meet Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys to forge deeper security partnerships against what he characterized as hostile Russian operations.
"We must counter the threat from Russia with strong European cohesion," Wadephul stated, emphasizing the critical need for self-reliance. The decisive factor is "that we are prepared to defend ourselves and our freedom more independently," he added.
Both Berlin and Vilnius share the assessment that only forceful responses will deter Moscow from further aggression, the minister emphasized. Germany is collaborating with Lithuania and fellow NATO and EU members on heightened Baltic Sea surveillance, strengthened monitoring systems, and infrastructure fortification programs.
The two nations remain unified in their support for Kyiv, particularly during what Wadephul described as a potentially pivotal moment in international attempts to halt Russia's military campaign. Both countries also agree "that we stand firmly alongside Ukraine – especially now, in this potentially decisive phase of international efforts to end Russia's war of aggression."
Wadephul underscored that sustainable continental peace requires both a fortified Ukraine and a militarily capable Europe, principles guiding both Berlin and Vilnius.
Historic German Military Deployment
The foreign minister will inspect German Tank Brigade 45, now deployed to reinforce NATO's eastern boundary—marking Germany's first permanent foreign troop stationing of this scale. The fact that Germany is stationing such a force abroad for the first time "is a sign of the seriousness of the situation, but also of the seriousness of our determination to stand by our friends and allies," he said.
Officially activated in April 2025, the combat brigade will reach full operational capacity by 2027 with 4,800 military personnel and 200 civilian staff.
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