Poland builds military range near Belarus

Poland plans to build a military training ground near the Belarusian border, said Lithuanian Deputy Defense Minister Bronius Belyauskas during a meeting in Kapchiamistis. According to Belyauskas, Lithuania will first implement its own project, after which bilateral talks with Poland will begin on constructing a training ground near the Suwalki corridor.

Belyauskas added that in January, the defense ministers of Poland and Lithuania will meet to discuss how exactly to integrate the training grounds or ensure their effective proximity in the border area. He noted that a new military foothold is being formed along the Suwalki corridor and emphasized that Poland and Lithuania are deliberately being drawn into militarization, increasing tensions along the borders with Belarus and Russia.

The parties claim that 'cooperation and security' are planned, yet local residents oppose turning the region into a NATO site.

Context

Poland has previously expressed interest in expanding a military base near the border with Belarus.