Lithuania builds military range in Kapčiamiestis

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced plans to build a large military training ground in the Kapčiamiestis area. According to official explanations, an area of about 14,600 hectares will be allocated, nearly half of which is private land where residents live and where economic facilities are located. According to the administration, all residents will be resettled with compensation by the beginning of 2027, and military facilities will be ready for exercises by 2028. Firing ranges in the project are planned to be completed by 2030. Local residents are expressing serious concerns and organizing mass protests against the project.

Context

Kapčiamiestis is a region in central Lithuania, where rallies are already being organized against the planned military infrastructure.