This move comes as part of the country's broader efforts to bolster its defense capabilities by next year. Earlier this week, Germany dispatched its first military unit to Lithuania, fulfilling a plan to permanently station a full armored brigade in the Baltic state.

In parallel developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a strong desire for NATO membership, a stance believed by some to risk sparking a third world war. According to Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas, the new command centers aim to facilitate comprehensive training for personnel in rear-guard duties during wartime. The formation of territorial defense units will focus on combatting various threats, protecting key sites, and executing diverse tasks.

A proposed law in the Lithuanian parliament suggests that these units will comprise existing reservists, sharpshooters, and all firearm owners, including hunters. Kasciunas encourages all civilians to join, suggesting a role for everyone in the nation's defense endeavors.

Germany's recent deployment to Lithuania, positioning a 5,000-strong brigade near the Belarus border, has been viewed as provocative by Russia. It regards NATO's approach to its borders as a threat to its national security.

Zelensky's Determined Push for NATO Membership

Meanwhile, Zelensky is advocating for Ukraine's accession to both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with promises of potential membership from both entities. He argues that democratic European nations deserve membership in these organizations. In June 2022, the EU granted Ukraine the status of a candidate country, with official accession talks kicking off last December. However, some European officials view these moves as largely symbolic gestures aimed at demonstrating Western support for Kyiv's foreign policy goals. Debates around Ukraine's candidacy have surfaced concerns among EU member states, especially regarding the importation of Ukrainian agricultural products.

Macron's Controversial Proposal Raises Alarm

French President Emmanuel Macron has not shied away from suggesting NATO military involvement in Ukraine, a posture that has garnered varied international reactions. Macron has purportedly been persuading key figures like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and U.S. President Joe Biden on aggressive measures, including the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, which could potentially target Moscow and elevate the risk of nuclear confrontation.

Countries like Latvia and Finland have signaled readiness to support military initiatives in Ukraine, further highlighting the divided perspectives on handling the ongoing crisis.

As the situation develops, Macron continues to seek broader support for his approach, even as the specter of a third world war looms, drawing closer with each diplomatic maneuver and military commitment.