Germany ready to take on leading military role in Baltic States
German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius (photo: Getty Images)
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius assured the Baltic countries of solidarity and support in the face of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, according to Tagesschau.
The German Defense Minister stated that his country is ready to take a leading military role in the Baltic countries on NATO's eastern flank, which border Russia and Belarus.
Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia are concerned about their security due to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
"We are on your side. Your security is our security. Germany keeps its promise and contributes to the defense of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on land, at sea, and in the air," Pistorius stated during a meeting with his Latvian counterpart, Andris Spruds.
NATO in the Baltic Sea
Berlin has proposed that NATO take on the coordination of the alliance's naval forces in the Baltic Sea region. Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, the Chief of the German Navy, revealed that an appropriate headquarters has been designated for this purpose.
According to FT, NATO will conduct its largest joint command exercise since the Cold War next year, involving more than 40,000 military personnel. The goal is to rehearse the defense against Russian aggression against one of its members.
