STORY: Right of way of the Federal Minister of Defense in Lithuania. Boris Pistorius traveled there on Monday to visit the Bundeswehr contingent of the NATO combat group. In Rukla he said: “This engagement of the eastern flank is more important than it has been since the end of the Cold War. Only with the difference that by the end of the Cold War Germany formed the eastern flank, the Federal Republic, and NATO guarantees our security Today we are the ones who, together with others, are protecting the eastern flank here in Lithuania, among other places.” The worries that the Baltic states, but also Poland, had about the Russian aggression in Ukraine are all too understandable, said the defense minister. “We stand firmly by the side of our partners and friends. I look forward to speaking with the soldiers of the Battlegroup right now. And I add – and that, I believe, is the spirit that stands above all – and the speaks for our commitment, both within the framework of the NATO operation and in our own bilateral construct with Lithuania. Lithuania’s security is also our security and that is why this commitment is so important.” The NATO combat group in Lithuania has been responsible for securing the alliance’s eastern flank since 2016. Germany is currently leading the operation and is providing around half of the soldiers.