Lithuanian president and German chancellor hold talks on European security and Ukraine support, including air defense systems

In Lithuania, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda discussed several issues, including the security situation in Europe and support for Ukraine, including air defense systems.

The press service of the President of Lithuania reported this.

During the bilateral meeting, Nauseda and Scholz discussed the security situation in the region and the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.

"To implement the decisions of the Vilnius summit, we must continue to consider how to strengthen the Baltic region and NATO's eastern flank. We must strive for the full implementation of NATO's defense plans and the rotational model of air defense and increase investments in defense," Nauseda said.

He also emphasized the importance of realizing Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and their significance for the security and stability of the entire Euro-Atlantic space since "Ukraine's place is in the NATO family."

The President of Lithuania emphasized that he highly appreciates Germany's initiative and leadership in taking urgent measures to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, including the decision to send an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.

"Lithuania will join your initiative – we plan to help Ukraine with the necessary radar systems for monitoring the airspace," the Lithuanian leader said.

He welcomed the intensification of relations between Lithuania and Germany in the field of defense industry.

"I hope that the decision of the German company Rheinmetall to work in Lithuania will open up even more opportunities for the development of cooperation between defense industry enterprises," Nauseda said.

Nauseda and Scholz also visited German soldiers in Pabrade, who are part of the battle group of NATO's enhanced forward presence in Lithuania and observed the progress of the large-scale military exercises of the Bundeswehr Grand Quadriga 2024.

At the same time, the head of Lithuania thanked Germany and personally the chancellor of Germany for their contribution to strengthening Lithuania's defense capabilities—the decision to place a brigade in Lithuania on a permanent basis.

For reference:

At the beginning of April, the first command group of the German 45th mechanized brigade "Lithuania" headquarters arrived in Vilnius. These military personnel will be responsible for planning the brigade's deployment to Lithuania and coordinating military infrastructure requirements.

By the end of the year, the first echelon of the headquarters will increase to 150 service members.

It should be noted that the German government invited partners and third countries to join the initiative to strengthen Ukrainian air defense.

It was also reported that the German company Hensoldt will send 6 more TRML-4D radars to Ukraine for air defense needs.