Poland backs Lithuania’s plans to expand military training grounds
Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has reaffirmed its support for Lithuania’s plans to develop military training grounds, following reports that suggested otherwise.
The ministry stated on Friday that its position has not changed and that Warsaw continues to back Vilnius’s efforts to expand military infrastructure. “Reports suggesting that the Polish Ministry of National Defence has changed its position on the development of military training ground infrastructure in Lithuania are inaccurate,” the ministry said in a statement. “Poland supports the plans of its allies, including Lithuania, to develop training ground infrastructure.”
The ministry also reiterated that a 2023 declaration by the Polish Armed Forces remains in effect, allowing Polish troops to assist Lithuanian forces by providing infrastructure expertise. “If, in the future, the Polish Armed Forces are invited to participate in exercises at a Lithuanian training ground, they will take part,” the statement said.
Earlier reports had suggested that Poland opposed the expansion of the Kapčiamiestis training ground near the Lithuanian-Polish border. However, Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Katinas clarified that the discussions have always centred on Polish troops training at the new facility, rather than co-managing its establishment.
“I understand the need for bold headlines, and the opposition’s habit of stirring up empty controversy, but nothing has changed—the plans remain the same,” Katinas said in a Facebook post on Friday. “Why create such a wave of disinformation?”
Lithuania’s government approved the establishment of the Kapčiamiestis training ground on Wednesday, pending parliamentary approval. The proposed site, near the Suwałki Gap—a strategically important area—would cover 14,600 hectares and accommodate 3,500 to 4,000 troops at a time. Large-scale exercises would occur about five times a year, lasting up to ten days, while smaller drills would take place regularly.