Germania mută 4.800 de soldați în Lituania. Merz: "Ne aflăm la săptămâni sau luni de apărarea libertății și păcii în Europa"

The German army is implementing mandatory deployments to fill positions in a brigade stationed in Lithuania due to recruitment challenges. Up to 1,000 soldiers may be ordered to serve in Lithuania starting late September. Germany aims to have nearly 5,000 troops in Lithuania by the end of 2027, with the main base located near Belarus. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the urgency of defending freedom and peace in Europe, warning of unprecedented consequences if Russia succeeds. Currently, about 80% of the brigade's positions are filled by volunteers, but mandatory deployments are expected to be in the hundreds to maintain operational capacity.