Tag: Eastern Europe

Germany May Mandate Lithuania Brigade Duty

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has pledged that Germany's armoured brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational with 4,800 soldiers by the end of 2027, saying he would compel troops to serve on NATO's eastern flank if not enough volunteers came forward in specialist areas | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany says its new brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational by 2027. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said most troops are expected to volunteer, but compulsory assignments may be used to fill specialist roles.

Europe Debates Lead Negotiator for Russia Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on December 08, 2025 in London | Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

Germany believes talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine could become possible in the coming months. European governments are discussing who could represent them in negotiations as U.S.-led efforts remain stalled.