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German Brigade Commander: our mission is clear - to defend Lithuania and common values

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-10-30
International cooperation

Brigadier General Christoph Huber returned to Lithuania for another historic beginning. In 2017, he was the first Commander of the NATO Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Rukla, and this year he came to Lithuania as the first Commander of the German Armoured Brigade 45. Over 5,000 German troops will move to our country in the coming years, and Brig. Gen. Huber's experience in Lithuania is expected to facilitate the implementation of this challenging mission. The Commander is already uttering his first sentences in Lithuanian and sending a clear message: we will defend Lithuania and our common values if necessary.

"First and foremost, it is a deterrence against our adversaries. We will defend every inch of NATO and that is the reason we are here. We are not the only ones. We are part of the German Division, we will be part of the German Division that is assigned to this region and we will fight shoulder to shoulder with our friends and allies from Lithuania and other NATO countries if necessary," said Brigadier General Christoph Huber.

- More and more troops from Germany are coming to Lithuania. What challenges do you face?

- First of all, we are very grateful to Lithuania for its warm welcome. We know that Lithuania is doing everything possible to make the start as easy as possible for the German brigade. We are talking about 5,000 German troops in Lithuania, which is a huge number. We need to create the conditions and infrastructure for this size of unit. This is a huge task, and I am very pleased that it is a top priority for both countries. Germany and Lithuania are doing their utmost to make this mission a success.

- Is everything going according to plan?

- I believe that both our nations are committed to the roadmap and to the goal of having a fully operational and warfighting capable brigade ready to defend Lithuania and NATO's eastern flank. The Roadmap mentions the necessary conditions for the deployment of German forces, which is the provision of infrastructure, not only for the troops but also for our families: schools, kindergartens, etc. Germany is ready to deploy its forces in Lithuania as soon as the conditions are met.

- Elections were held in Lithuania on Sunday, but one thing is unlikely to change. 85% of Lithuanians are in favour of the German brigade in Lithuania. How important is it that you are so welcomed by the Lithuanian people?

- We are here at the invitation of the Lithuanian people, the Lithuanian Government. We are here to carry out the mission agreed by our Heads of State to defend this country and the entire eastern flank of NATO.

We have a truly overwhelming support - more than 85% of the Lithuanian people support the idea of deploying the brigade in Lithuania. This is very important to us and we feel it every day. If we walk in the center of Vilnius or in other places in this country, we can feel the support, and it is very important for our soldiers. We know what we will fight for and why, if necessary. We are very grateful for that.

- And what is the sentiment in Germany?

- There is no doubt that Germany will defend Lithuania if necessary.

I can tell you what that means for me. I was born and grew up in West Germany and have personally experienced the presence of US troops. I was very grateful to the Americans and to other Western allies for the fact that we were safe in West Germany at that time. The American troops gave us the opportunity to live freely and without restrictions. Now we Germans can give this back to our allies on NATO´s Eastern flank. We are here to fulfil our mission and to deter any aggression against NATO, which includes Lithuania.

- Is the German population also united on the deployment of the brigade in Lithuania?

- In Germany, for sure, it is all about to defend our values. It is about defending our freedom, and people support us because the Lithuanian and German peoples share common values. We are united by respect for human rights and we are here to defend democracy and freedom. After all, we are not only defending it for Lithuania, we are also defending these values for our own people.

- You introduced yourself to the Lithuanian people in Lithuanian. When did you start learning it?

- I speak a little Lithuanian (replies in Lithuanian). I started learning Lithuanian, a few sentences, as soon as I found out that I had the great honour of commanding the German Armoured Brigade 45. I am sure that over the years I will learn a little more of your language and I am really grateful to have this opportunity. So we will hopefully be able to speak a little more Lithuanian in the near future.

- Do you see any differences between our languages, what do they have in common?

- I think what both languages have in common is that they are not the easiest. The other thing is that there are so many differences between our languages that it is not easy to learn your wonderful language. My men and women and I serving here will do our best to learn more about your great culture and country.

- Many people say that Lithuanians are cold, is this true?

- Based on my personal experience of living in Lithuania, Lithuanians are completely open and friendly, and they welcome us very warmly.

- What is your main message?

- My men and women of the German Armoured Brigade 45 are here to defend the common values of the Lithuanian and German people as well as democracy and freedom, to respect human rights. Our mission is clear, we are here to defend Lithuania and our shared values shoulder to shoulder with Lithuanian soldiers and other allies.