Lithuania appoints retired German general as defense advisor

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius has appointed retired German Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart as an advisor on strategic defense issues. The 64-year-old will serve in a voluntary capacity to assist with Lithuania's military transformation and to strengthen cooperation with NATO allies, particularly Germany.

Von Sandrart previously served as the commander of NATO's Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, Poland. He stated his goal is to enhance defense capabilities and maintain cohesion against Russian threats. This appointment coincides with Germany's commitment to establish Panzerbrigade 45 in Lithuania, a unit intended to be fully operational by 2027 to counter growing regional security concerns.