German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that “the security of our Baltic allies is also our security” as he traveled to NATO partner Lithuania Thursday to inaugurate a German brigade meant to protect the alliance's eastern flank in the face of mounting worries about Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday inaugurated a historic new brigade in Lithuania, saying that Germany and its NATO partners are prepared to defend "every inch" of the alliance's territory.

Amid growing doubt over the US commitment to the region, chancellor Friedrich Merz said the co-operation − involving the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania − marked a “new era” of German readiness to defend “every inch” of Nato territory and stand with the Baltic region against “any threat”.