Lithuanian defence committee chair criticises opposition to military training ground as political posturing

Rimantas Sinkevičius, chair of Lithuania’s parliamentary National Security and Defence Committee, has condemned the 12 lawmakers who voted against establishing a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, accusing them of seeking “individual popularity” ahead of elections, LRT reports.

Speaking to ELTA news agency, the Social Democrat said he regretted that some politicians were “misguided” or prioritising short-term political gain over national defence needs. “We must think about the whole—how Lithuania appears and how it prepares to defend itself,” Sinkevičius stated.

He dismissed concerns over secondary details as distractions, arguing that delays in decision-making were unacceptable given the current geopolitical threats. “Do we have time for procrastination or non-decisions in such a dangerous situation?” he asked.

The training ground, covering 14,600 hectares in Lazdijai district, is considered vital for Lithuanian troops’ combat readiness. Sinkevičius compared adequate training facilities to an athlete’s need for proper conditions: “Would Rūta Meilutytė ever have become an Olympic champion if she trained in mud? The same applies to soldiers.”

On Thursday, parliament approved the Kapčiamiestis project with 105 votes in favour, 12 against, and 4 abstentions. Opposition came primarily from the “Nemuno Aušra” faction (8 votes) and two members of the Farmers and Greens Union, alongside two independent MPs. The same session also unanimously backed expanding the Tauragė military range into Jurbarkas district.

The State Defence Council had decided in December 2025 to establish the brigade-level Kapčiamiestis facility and double the size of Tauragė’s existing range.