„First of all, Russia's aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the real threats to our region. Lithuania shares 700 km of border with Belarus and 300 km with Russia. The Suwalki Corridor connects NATO countries in continental Europe and separates Kaliningrad from Belarus.
A training ground in this strategic area is vitally important today. Secondly, the most extensive training grounds of the Lithuanian Armed Forces are located to form a ring around the most critical defence area bordering Russia and Belarus – Pabradė, Rūdninkai, and Tauragė.
Meanwhile, there is no such infrastructure in southern Lithuania. From a military perspective, this location reduces the vulnerability of southern Lithuania.
Thirdly, several criteria were taken into account when choosing the location for the training ground: the area of state-owned land, population density, strategic geographical location, and the suitability of the territory for military exercises. It is also essential that there are no air navigation restrictions in the selected area, which would significantly impede the functioning of the training ground in other areas.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces, together with the Ministry of the Environment, the National Land Service, the State Protected Areas Service, and the State Forest Service, conducted a detailed assessment that showed there is currently no more suitable area for a new military training ground in Lithuania.
However, we fully understand residents' concerns. Therefore, we are seeking compromises and, during individual consultations that have been taking place over the past few weeks, we are answering all questions and explaining the real situation.
We are making every effort to reconcile the expectations of the community with the tasks of strengthening the country's security,“ the ministry wrote on its Facebook page.