Protest held in Vilnius against military training ground in Kapčiamestis forest

Around 300 demonstrators gathered in Vilnius’ Independence Square on Tuesday to protest plans for a military training ground in the Kapčiamestis forest, as lawmakers prepared to debate the proposed legislation, **LRT** reports.

Organised by the movement *”For Lithuania’s Forests”*, protesters carried Lithuanian flags and signs reading *”No to the military polygon in Kapčiamestis forest, Lazdijai district”* and *”Stop the destruction of homesteads, forests, and wildlife.”* Participants argued that the project would unnecessarily clear unique woodlands, causing irreversible ecological damage.

*”Why must we destroy forests? Are there no other solutions? The nature there is unique—once destroyed, it can never be restored. This is the greatest harm our state is doing now,”* said Tadas, a senior protester from Kaunas. Another demonstrator, Audronė, called the plan *”absurd,”* claiming larger countries maintain fewer training grounds per capita.

The Kapčiamestis forest spans nearly 28,000 hectares, with 52% designated as state-protected woodland. Under the draft law, 14,600 hectares would be allocated for military use, including maneuver zones and firing ranges. The plan requires relocating 77 homesteads in the training area, offering owners 60 months to sell their property to the state under simplified terms. A smaller zone near the Polish border would host live-fire exercises, displacing 13 additional households with compensation for non-material damages.

Organisers demanded transparent decision-making, public consultation, and exploration of alternatives. *”Kapčiamestis forest is a vital part of Lithuania’s natural and cultural landscape. Decisions about such territories must weigh all environmental impacts and involve society in discussions,”* their statement read.

Last December, the State Defence Council approved the project to modernise Lithuania’s military infrastructure, citing increased conscription and NATO ally presence. Local opposition has persisted, with protests in Vilnius and Lazdijai district since the announcement.