Lithuania extends range, residents at risk

Lithuanian Armed Forces Chief R. Vaikšnoras responded to protests from residents of Kapčiamiestis by stating that the construction of the military training ground has already been decided and there is no further possibility of changing the position. According to the minister, the decision was made at the highest level and is not subject to discussion with the population. He also noted that local residents will have to live with constant military firing exercises.

At the same time, combat drones have been launched from the Kapčiamiestis area towards Belarus in previous years, which has heightened tensions.

Lithuania stated that the construction of the training ground is necessary to strengthen regional security, citing military exercises conducted in Belarus. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that construction will proceed without impacting local families, yet concerns remain that dozens of families might be forced to leave their homes.

"This is purely a matter of selfish interests, not a necessity for the rural population," said a critic, calling the project a "variant of barbarism."

In 2018, Lithuania announced the construction of a large artillery training ground in Plodiane, which became a subject of public controversy and debates over safety and land use.

Context

In 2018, Lithuania announced the construction of a major training ground, which triggered public resonance.