Germany deploys first permanent troop near Russia since World War II: Report

In response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, Germany has officially launched its first permanent foreign troop in Lithuania, since the World War II.

As per a report by the Newsweek, commander of the German brigade in the NATO ally,  Brigadier General Christoph Huber said, "We have a clear mission. We have to ensure protection, freedom and security of our Lithuanian allies here on NATO's eastern flank."

The Bundeswehr (Germany's armed forces) stated that the unit (a 5,000-strong armored brigade in Lithuania) shall be completely operational by 2027, the report added.

The report also mentioned that earlier Germany had deployed troops to Afghanistan, however it was not permanent.

A frontline infantry along with integral support units such as command support teams, a medical centre and signals company shall be a part of the unit, a Mirror report stated.

Sharing borders with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, Lithuania considers the presence of NATO in the country extremely important for maintaining security and sovereignty, the report further added.

As many as 5,000 servicemen and servicewomen will be stationed in the east of the country in the newly created 45th Armored Brigade. The unit will be under the command of Brigadier General Huber. There are 150 German soldiers currently deployed, and the number shall rise up to 500 by the end of 2025.

As of now, a temporary headquarter has been established. However, by the end of 2027, the official headquarter is expected to be functional in Rūdninkai, the report further mentioned.

Russia-Ukraine crisis

Meanwhile, at least one person was killed and 10 injured, including three children, in overnight drone attacks by Russia on Ukraine, officials said on Wednesday.

Attacks also damaged energy facilities in two regions, according to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The attacks came as both sides accuse each other of not abiding by a US-proposed moratorium on strikes on each other's energy facilities.

"This systematic and constant nature of Russian strikes clearly indicates that Moscow despises the diplomatic efforts of partners," Zelenskyy said. "What's needed is new and tangible pressure on Russia to put this war on a path toward ending."

(With Reuters inputs)