With my first trip abroad in the new year, my intention is to define our foreign and security policy priority. We must counter the threat from Russia with strong European cohesion. In this context, it is vital that we are prepared to defend ourselves and our freedom more independently.

Germany and Lithuania are in complete agreement in this situation: only resolute action can help us to steer Russia away from ever more escalation.

In order to achieve this, we are working hand in hand with Lithuania and our partners in NATO and the EU – with more control measures on the Baltic Sea, with greater vigilance and with investment in more robust infrastructure. The NATO operation Baltic Sentry has already proved its worth in this regard.

My talks in Lithuania will address, among other things, ways to cooperate even more closely to ward off the diverse Russian threats – for Vilnius and for Berlin.

I will also be visiting the German brigade currently being established in Lithuania. The fact that Germany is stationing such a brigade abroad for the first time is an indication of how serious the situation is, but also of the strength of our resolve to stand by our friends and allies. The immense trust being placed in us in this connection, also by the people of Lithuania, is both a mark of recognition and an obligation.

Another thing that unites us with our Lithuanian friends is our firm support for Ukraine – especially now, in this perhaps crucial phase of the international efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression. Here we are guided by our shared conviction that only a strong Ukraine and a resilient Europe can secure lasting peace on our continent.