An EU country has stationed some of its forces in Lithuania, one of the Baltic countries making up a key part of the NATO's eastern flank, as fears of a future Russian attack on Europe grow. Germany deployed two combat battalions of the Bundeswehr on January 29 as it gradually builds up its forces in the country. 

Gerald Funke, head of the Bundeswehr's Support Command, said Germany could be drawn into a conflict through the brigade if Russia launches a large-scale attack on the Baltic States, but stressed that this is the worst-case scenario. This would result in tens of thousands of alliance troops being deployed through German ports and transport routes, he added.