Lithuanian prime minister calls vote on Kapčiamestis training ground historic

The Lithuanian parliament’s vote to establish a military training ground in Kapčiamestis is a historic event, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Wednesday, though she declined to comment on opposition from coalition partners, LRT reports.

“Yesterday’s vote was exceptionally positive—a historic moment when all of us in the Seimas, regardless of whether we are in the ruling majority or the opposition, united for a shared strategic goal,” Ruginienė told reporters. “This is an example of how the Seimas can come together for crucial decisions.”

Pressed on the fact that most members of the opposition “Nemuno Aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) faction voted against the bill, the prime minister avoided direct criticism. “I would love to hold a press conference one day where we discuss positive developments when they are most needed,” she said. “We tend to focus on negativity rather than recognise that yesterday was truly a historic event.”

The bill to create the Kapčiamestis military polygon and training area passed with 102 votes in favour, 10 against, and 5 abstentions. All opposition votes came from the ruling coalition: seven from “Nemuno Aušra,” including party leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis, and three from the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union faction. Four additional “Nemuno Aušra” members and one Democrat from the “For Lithuania” faction abstained.

Environment Minister Simonas Gentvilas had warned coalition partners on Tuesday that failure to support the polygon could trigger “certain political actions.” The issue is expected to be raised at the Social Democratic Party’s presidium meeting on Wednesday.

The Presidential Office has stated that the coalition should be capable of resolving such critical matters without relying on opposition votes.

Ruginienė also addressed concerns over Lithuania’s air defence capabilities following Monday’s drone incident in Varėna district, where an unmanned aerial vehicle exploded and crashed. She assured that the country already possesses core defence systems and is implementing additional measures.

“We are not just searching—we are already acting,” Ruginienė said. “Today, we have the essential systems in place and can feel secure. But we must do more. We discussed this yesterday: some systems are already being deployed, and by year’s end, we will have further reinforcements.”

She noted that progress has been rapid compared to past inaction. “We are moving at a sufficiently fast pace. For decades, nothing was done, but in the last two years—especially since last autumn—we are advancing quickly. Some countries are even surprised, as such speed is unusual in the defence industry. We face many challenges, but we are not giving up.”

The military reported that the drone was not detected by radar, and authorities were only alerted on Monday afternoon. No explosives were found at the crash site, though officials did not rule out their presence. Last July, a drone with an attached explosive device crashed in a Jonava district polygon after entering from Belarus, while another violation occurred on July 10 when a “Gerbera” drone crossed into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus.