Lithuanian resident lends his homestead for military exercises: “What good are those houses if the enemy comes?”

A Lithuanian man named Saulius has offered his private homestead for military training, stating that civilian property should serve national defence if needed, reports LRT.

“What good are those houses if the enemy comes?” Saulius told the public broadcaster, explaining his decision to temporarily hand over his land near the Belarusian border for army drills. “If we don’t defend ourselves, we’ll lose everything.”

The Lithuanian Armed Forces have increasingly relied on private land for large-scale exercises as tensions in the region persist. Saulius, whose property includes a house and outbuildings, said he saw the move as a patriotic duty rather than a financial transaction.

Military representatives confirmed the site’s suitability for tactical training, noting that such cooperation with civilians strengthens both operational readiness and public resilience. No compensation details were disclosed.

Lithuania has expanded defence collaborations with local communities in recent years, including land leases and infrastructure sharing, as part of broader efforts to bolster deterrence along its eastern frontier.