An archive photo
MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded on X to the post of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the deployment of a German armored brigade in Lithuania, BelTA reports.
“The last time German tanks amassed near Belarus, they left scorched earth, occupation, and the ashes of millions. Belarus has not forgotten. We are capable of defending our sovereignty. Then as now, ordinary people rejected foreign armies - only traitors welcomed them,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted commenting on the post of the German chancellor.
“History’s darkest chapters caution against confusing militarisation with security. If Europe seeks lasting peace, it should choose dialogue over deployments that echo the past,” the ministry emphasized.
A reminder, the German leadership decided to set up a tank brigade in Lithuania. This marks the first time that a German brigade is based outside Germany since World War II.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius took part in the first ceremonial roll call of the brigade in central Vilnius. According to Bloomberg, there are currently around 400 German soldiers on site, which the German authorities hope to increase to 500 by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Germany is playing an increasingly active role in managing NATO's contingent in Lithuania. In February 2026, NATO's multinational forces in the country will be subordinated to Germany's 45th Tank Brigade. The establishment of the brigade is to be completed by the end of 2027, with up to 5,000 personnel on the ground.
Follow us on:
