Crisis, conflict and war - How NATO is preparing to resist | DW Documentary

Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014

and Russia’s war in Ukraine, Western officials have made it clear

that not one inch of NATO territory will be ceded.

Lithuania is hosting a multinational Battle Group led by Germany -

which has taken on more regional and collective defense responsibilities

in northeastern Europe since 2016.

We should look at the current situation in Germany

as a human being, a citizen in uniform and as a soldier.

Russia’s war on Ukraine has caused Europe and Germany

to dramatically reappraise their stance on defense and security.

As a citizen in uniform,

I’m glad that the need for a strong armed forces

and security for Germany is now a topic of public debate,

and that there’s political consensus on this.

We need to make the resources available to support this.

As a soldier, of course I insist that the men and women

under my command are provided with the best possible equipment.”

The mission is nothing less

than the defense of domestic and allied security.

In addition to the troops deployed to the NATO Battle Group,

Germany is sending some 200 armored vehicles,

combat equipment, and transport and supply vehicles

that can accommodate hundreds of soldiers,

from northern Germany to the Baltic region.

We actually started planning this entire thing several months ago.

The last time we were in Lithuania,

we began planning this exercise that’s taking place now.

As soon as there’s a rough idea of what will be done

where and by which forces,

I start looking at the maintenance side to see how

I can supply the necessary vehicles from the battalion.”

The Boxer is a multirole armored fighting vehicle.

Getting these tanks from Germany to Lithuania by road

is no easy task.

Moving a military convoy through Poland and Lithuania

while minimizing any disruption to road traffic

and the local community requires careful planning

and preparation that goes far beyond ordinary logistics.

In the 413 Infantry Battalion we have just over 100 vehicles