German Chancellor Merkel emphasized after meeting with Lithuanian President Nausėda, "The security of our Baltic allies is also our security." Merkel, along with Defense Minister Pistorius and representatives of the Lithuanian government, attended the ceremony marking the establishment of a new German armored brigade in Vilnius, responsible for defending NATO's eastern flank, with approximately 5,000 German soldiers to be stationed there.

On April 1, the newly formed 45th Armored Brigade was officially established in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, in response to requests from Lithuania to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine. This deployment marks a first in the history of the German Bundeswehr and features a new emblem displaying the iconic Gediminas Tower of Vilnius on soldiers' uniforms.

Minister Pistorius stated that Germany is prepared to defend every square centimeter of NATO territory and sends a clear signal to potential threats. Lithuania is also boosting its armored forces, having ordered 44 German-made Leopard 2A8 tanks, and aims to complete the brigade's full establishment by 2027.