Lithuania builds range near Belarus

Lithuania announced the construction of a new military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, located 10 kilometers from the Belarusian border. According to Lithuania's defense advisors, the project aims to strengthen the defense of the Suwałki corridor. Additionally, plans are underway to double the area of the existing training ground in Tauragė, located near the border with Russia's Kaliningrad.

Following an incident in which a Lithuanian drone flew over the territory of Hrodna, Belarusian authorities stated that the new military development poses a threat to the security of Belarus and Russia. In response to increasing military activities in the region, Belarus announced plans to deploy the 'Oreshnik' military complex on its territory, emphasizing the need to strengthen national defense.

The entire process of establishing military training grounds raises concerns among Belarusian officials, who see this step as a way to intensify military activity near its border.

Context

Kapčiamiestis – the location where a Lithuanian drone, which had flown over Hrodna, was previously detected.