- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.42+0.06%
- EUR55.41+0.20%
- GOLD4,191.70+0.52%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,246-1.08%
- October 16, 202612°
- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.42+0.06%
- EUR55.41+0.20%
- GOLD4,191.70+0.52%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,246-1.08%
- October 16, 202612°
Lithuania plans to dig defensive trenches along its borders with Russia and Belarus
Lithuania plans to build defensive trenches along Russia’s Kaliningrad region and the Belarusian border. The project, costing approximately 50 million euros, is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, while the number of counter-mobility parks is set to rise to 50.
Lithuania is preparing to strengthen its eastern line along the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus using trenches and various engineering obstacles. The government approved a project to dig defensive trenches in line with a proposal from the Ministry of National Defence.
The trenches will be 20 meters wide. In some sections identified by the command of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, their width is planned to reach up to 150 meters. The defensive lines are expected to extend inland from the patrol road.
Vilnius plans to allocate approximately 50 million euros to the project. The work is targeted for completion by the end of 2028.
Marshes to be turned into defensive obstacles
In addition to the trench project, the Lithuanian government also approved measures to restore marshlands. These works are planned to be completed by 2030.
Reshaping the marshes’ hydrological structure is expected to make it difficult for heavy military vehicles to cross the areas without specialized engineering equipment. Lithuania aims to use the natural features of the terrain as an additional defensive obstacle.
Parks storing engineering obstacles to be expanded
Lithuania will also increase the number of counter-mobility parks from 27 to 50. These sites store engineering obstacles that can be used to quickly block roads and potential advance routes.
The parks contain anti-tank obstacles, concrete “dragon’s teeth” barriers, barbed wire and other engineering equipment.
Bridges to be adapted for explosive placement
Lithuanian authorities are also planning special engineering modifications for bridges in areas near the borders with Russia and Belarus. These structures are expected to enable explosives to be placed on the bridges.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces said that, in the event of an armed conflict, demolishing the bridges would aim to hinder or halt the opposing side’s advance.
Lithuania has also withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention, which bans land mines. The country plans to allocate hundreds of millions of euros to develop the relevant production capacity.
Poland and the Baltic states are also fortifying their eastern borders
Lithuania’s plans are viewed as part of the broader strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank. Poland had previously announced that it would allocate 2.3 billion euros for defensive structures consisting of shelters, trenches and ditches along its borders with Russia and Belarus.
The Baltic states also plan to establish a fortification system on their eastern borders as part of the “Baltic Defence Line” project. The project envisages the construction of more than 1,000 concrete shelters and various engineering obstacles.
Estonia plans to establish a military base in an area near the Russian border by 2028. The base is also expected to serve the deployment of troops from NATO allies.
Stay Updated with RuskiGazeta
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
