Nobody Wanted to Die: Bundestag Defense Committee Chairman Says That German Soldiers May Be Obliged to Serve in Lithuania

“The chairman of the German Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas Röwekamp, ​​wants to oblige Bundeswehr soldiers to serve in Lithuania if there are not enough volunteers for the German brigade deployed there, writes “zeit.de”.

 

“The Bundeswehr relies on the principle of voluntariness, and this remains the right attitude,” he told the media group “RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland” (RND), but added: “If this is not enough for a task that is necessary from a security policy perspective, such as a brigade in Lithuania, service must be made mandatory.”

 

“Whoever chooses the military profession assumes responsibility for the protection of peace, freedom and our allies. This responsibility does not end at the state border – it also includes service where deterrence ensures peace, for example in Lithuania,” noted Th. Röwekamp.

 

The magazine “Spiegel”, citing a confidential document from the Ministry of Defense, wrote last week that the Bundeswehr is facing difficulties in forming a brigade in Lithuania because it is not receiving enough volunteers.

 

By the end of 2027, a total of 4.8 thousand German soldiers and 200 civilian employees should be deployed in Lithuania.

 

The German Ministry of Defense, responding to the report, assured that the formation of the brigade is proceeding “according to plan”. It is expected that the personnel needs will be met by volunteers.

 

The Lithuanian brigade began operating in April 2025. It will contribute to strengthening NATO’s eastern border.”