Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated a groundbreaking German brigade in Lithuania that is meant to help protect NATO’s eastern flank and declared Thursday that “the security of our Baltic allies is also our security” as worries about Russian aggression persist.

Germany announced the permanent deployment of thousands of its troops in Lithuania – the first time it has done so since World War II. The development came against the backdrop of a visit from Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Lithuania.

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German brigade will be deployed in Lithuania to support security of NATO allies in Baltic region, Merz says on visit to Vilnius - Anadolu Ajansı

The men, Ukrainian nationals, were arrested in Germany and Switzerland, the state prosecutor in Berlin said. They are suspected of planning to sabotage commercial freight infrastructure.

Russia has celebrated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, with President Vladimir Putin presiding over a massive parade of tanks, missiles and troops through Red Square.

Chancellor Merz welcomes 1st direct talks between Ukrainian, Russian delegations in over 3 years, calls for increased diplomatic efforts to end war - Anadolu Ajansı