Lithuania president eyes hike in defense spending to host more NATO troops

23/6/2022 19:13

        Lithuania must raise defence spending to 3% of GDP to enable it to host a much larger number of NATO troops, its president said ahead of NATO summit that will address how to counter rising security threats posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
        
        NATO allies remain split over troop deployments and extra weaponry, should be based, with eastern states closer to Russia seeking greater permanent reinforcements on their soil although they may lack the infrastructure to accommodate them.
        
        Germany now commands a NATO detachment of about 1,700 troops in Lithuania, which was reinforced in the immediate aftermath of Russia's February invasion.
        
        Ahead of the NATO summit next week in Madrid, Berlin agreed to earmark a combat-ready brigade with some 3,000 troops that could be deployed quickly to defend Lithuania if necessary.