Pegel visits soldiers of the air defense squadrons in Poland
According to Interior Minister Christian Pegel (SPD), soldiers from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are making an important contribution to protecting the EU's eastern external borders. "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has once again brought the Bundeswehr's central task of defending peace and freedom in Europe much more into focus. The sense of protection among the citizens of our country, but also in the EU as a whole, has changed noticeably," Pegel stated at the end of a short visit to soldiers of the Air Defense Missile Group 21 currently stationed in Poland.
A total of 287 German soldiers are deployed in Zamosc, south-east of Warsaw, including two Patriot air defense squadrons from Bad Sülze (Vorpommern-Rügen). Their task is to protect the country just 35 kilometers from the Polish-Ukrainian border from aerial bombardment, in particular from accidentally misguided missiles. An important rail transshipment station for civilian and military goods destined for Ukraine is located nearby.
During his visit, he had sensed that the Bundeswehr deployment so close to the Ukrainian border was also a very important signal for the Polish partners. As an ally, Germany stands by Poland in solidarity, the Minister emphasized.
"The fact that, after more than 70 years of peace, there is now such a brutal war on European soil as in Ukraine has brought about a turning point on many levels. We can live in security, freedom and peace in Germany because the soldiers are prepared to take on this service and protect and defend our country," explained Pegel.
It was only in October that 430 servicemen and women from the 401 Armored Infantry Battalion were ceremoniously welcomed back home in Hagenow after several months of deployment abroad. They were temporarily stationed in Lithuania and, according to the state command, formed the core of the EFP Battlegroup Lithuania, whose task is to secure NATO's eastern flank. In April, Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) paid tribute to the deployment of German soldiers in the NATO alliance during a visit to the troops in Rukla, Lithuania.
The German government has deployed two Patriot air defense squadrons from Bad Sülze for the defense of Poland, serving to shield the country from potential aerial threats close to the Ukrainian border. Pegel, as the Interior Minister, highlighted the importance of such defense efforts in upholding peace and security within Europe.
Source: www.dpa.com
