Do We Need a New Military Training Ground in Southern Lithuania?
RADIO
3/28/2025
SUMMARY
Lithuanian armed forces are running out of space for training, and the army’s commander, Raimundas Vaikšnoras, insists that a new military polygon in Southern Lithuania is urgently needed — with Varėna District again being considered as a potential location.
However, local authorities and residents are sceptical. Varėna Mayor Algis Kašėta says he learned about the plans last, criticising the lack of communication, while residents express concern over deforestation and question whether the forests of Dzūkija are the right place for such a project.
The discussion brings together different perspectives — from the Ministry of Defence and local government to business and civil society — on the balance between national security needs and environmental or community impact.
Participants include Algis Kašėta, Orijana Mašalė, Reda Vaičiulienė, Lukas Povilauskas, and Artūras Jonkus, Associate Lecturer at Vilnius University and communication expert.
Hosted by Liepa Želnienė and Marius Jokūbaitis.
Listen here: Do We Need a New Military Training Ground in Southern Lithuania?
