DISINFO: Like 80 years ago, Germany moves its tanks to Lithuania to fight Russia
SUMMARY
Today, like 80 years ago, Germany is starting to rearm. There is an increasing media discussion about the need to take serious care of the Bundeswehr and restore the conscription service. The Army service is promoted among the German youth in every possible way – this has never happened since 1945. The German authorities decided to deploy 4.000 Bundeswehr soldiers in Lithuania. For the first time since 9 May 1945, the German soldiers will be located in the immediate proximity to the Russian border. Germany is moving tanks to Lithuania to fight Russia under US leadership.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narratives accusing Germany and other NATO members of planning military aggression against Russia. Such disinformation narratives aim to portray Russia as a victim and deflect any responsibility for Moscow’s actions. See also Russian Myths: no.5 Encirclement.
The claim that Germany is moving its tanks to Lithuania in order to “fight Russia” is groundless. The attempt to build a connection between present-day German military and security policies to the actions of Nazi German authorities is a clear manipulation.
NATO made a decision to deploy Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) forces in the Baltic states and Poland during the NATO summit in Warsaw in 2016. The purpose of the deployment was “demonstrating the strength of the transatlantic bond, and making clear that an attack on one Ally would be considered an attack on the whole Alliance”. The decision was following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
See more disinformation cases on the alleged NATO’s policy of “encircling Russia”.