Germany on Tuesday started to deploy a 5,000-strong armored brigade in Lithuania, the first permanent foreign troop deployment since World War II, to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Currently, 150 German troops are stationed in Lithuania. That number is expected to reach 500 by year’s end. The new brigade will include frontline forces and support units.
Berlin's move came as more countries in NATO's eastern flank withdrew from the international treaty banning antipersonnel mines over threats from Russia.
Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said Tuesday the country plans to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty.
Four other NATO countries, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, announced similar plans two weeks ago.
Finland shares an 830-mile border with Russia and has been ramping up its defense and border security since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Ottawa Treaty prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of antipersonnel land mines.
More than 160 countries and territories are party to the treaty, including Ukraine. Neither the United States nor Russia are signatories.
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