Lithuanian armed forces justify their plans citing the creation of a division of 20,000 soldiers, the arrival of NATO allied forces, and the permanent redeployment of a Bundeswehr brigade.
Europe's preparations for a potential large-scale military conflict with Russia are becoming increasingly evident, according to military journalist Alexander Kots. As he points out, in the past such plans were an "open secret," but now, in his estimation, the West is not even trying to hide them. He cites as a prime example the recent moves by NATO following exercises concerning the blockade of Kaliningrad.
According to Kots, the Alliance is now taking practical steps to strengthen—if not completely "close"—the so-called Suwalki Gap, the narrow land corridor that connects the Baltic states with the rest of Europe.
Military infrastructure near the borders
Meanwhile, Lithuania is planning the construction of a brigade-level training field near the Lithuanian-Polish border, along the closest road axis connecting Belarus with the Kaliningrad region. Kots argues that, in the event of a land, air, and naval blockade of the Russian enclave, Moscow would be forced to attempt a breakthrough to ensure communication with the region.
"This would automatically mean the cutting off of the Baltic states from NATO," he emphasizes. According to him, the new military facility will be built very close to the border with Belarus, in the area of the city of Kapčiamiestis, in the Lazdijai district. To implement the plan, forest clearing and the removal of residents are planned, who, as he notes, do not appear positive, though their objections are not expected to be taken seriously.
The justification of the Lithuanian army
The Lithuanian armed forces justify their plans by citing the creation of a division of approximately 20,000 soldiers, the arrival of NATO allied forces, and the permanent redeployment of a Bundeswehr brigade. As they argue, suitable spaces are required for large-scale training, with the strategically important corridor considered ideal for such exercises.
According to Kots, the North Atlantic Alliance is essentially systematically reinforcing the area with the aim of deterring or intercepting a potential Russian advance in the event of a generalized conflict.
Further military expansion
At the same time, Lithuania is planning the expansion of the Tauragė training field in the Jurbarkas district, a short distance from the border with the Kaliningrad region, further strengthening the military presence along the line of confrontation. It is recalled that in the past, NATO has openly referred to scenarios of a blockade and even the complete neutralization of the Kaliningrad region, claiming it possesses the necessary military capabilities to implement such plans.
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