Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has assured the Baltic NATO partners of Germany's support.

The Baltic States are directly affected by the worrying military activities that Russia is developing, Scholz said on Thursday at a meeting with the heads of the three states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in Berlin.

The common stance is clear: "We are united and determined," said Scholz.

In the middle of the Ukraine crisis, Russia and Belarus began joint military maneuvers on Thursday.

Scholz said Russia was expected to take steps to defuse the situation.

"De-escalation is the order of the day." Russia should not underestimate the unity and determination of NATO allies.

"We take the concerns of our allies very seriously," said Scholz.

"We stand by your side.

That is very important to me.”

"Strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank"

All three Baltic states border Russia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Russia's ally Belarus.

Scholz travels to Moscow and Kiev next week.

The Ukraine crisis was already the main topic during the Chancellor's inaugural visit to the USA on Monday.

On Tuesday, the Presidents of France and Poland, Emmanuel Macron and Andrzej Duda, were in Berlin to vote.

"At the moment it's about nothing less than preventing a war in Europe," said Scholz.

He reiterated that the Bundeswehr troops in Lithuania would be increased by 350 more soldiers.

He did not comment publicly on arms deliveries to Ukraine.

Estonia wants to deliver nine artillery pieces to the Ukraine that still come from GDR stocks.

The federal government has not yet granted approval.

Germany rejects arms deliveries to Ukraine in principle.

The three Baltic heads of state and government spoke out in favor of strengthening NATO's eastern flank and giving Germany a stronger role in resolving the conflict.

"It is crucial that we strengthen NATO's eastern flank," said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

"Our alliance must be able to respond quickly and respond decisively in the region."

Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas called on the EU and NATO to show "unity, determination and strategic patience".

Any sign of disagreement and lack of resolve could send the wrong signal to Russia, she said.

Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins stressed that the EU and NATO must "argue from a position of strength".

Germany's role in this is of "fundamental importance".

It is "very necessary" for Germany to take a leading role in guiding the EU and NATO member states through these difficult times, said Karins.