German chancellor MERZ said Germany will step up defenses on NATO's eastern flank and deepen cooperation with Lithuania to counter security threats from Russia. He said Berlin and Vilnius will expand cooperation on cyber defense, armed forces and the

2026-10-06

German chancellor MERZ said Germany will step up defenses on NATO's eastern flank and deepen cooperation with Lithuania to counter security threats from Russia. He said Berlin and Vilnius will expand cooperation on cyber defense, armed forces and the defense industry to repel Russian "hybrid attacks", strengthen deterrence, continue support for Ukraine and push Russia toward peace negotiations.