Ukmergė faces potential backlash over planned ammunition depots near the city

A new military infrastructure project near Ukmergė risks repeating the public opposition seen in Kapčiamiestis, where protests failed to stop the establishment of a firing range, reports LRT.

The Lithuanian government recently approved dividing nearly 300 hectares of state land near Ukmergė into three plots, one of which will host ammunition storage facilities. The decision mirrors the contentious process in Kapčiamiestis, where the Seimas approved a military training ground despite resistance from locals and some coalition partners.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has faced criticism over communication failures, with Kapčiamiestis residents accusing the ministry of ignoring their concerns—particularly regarding noise assessments. Similar tensions may arise in Ukmergė, where the project, backed by Germany for its deployed brigade, has already drawn scepticism.

Ukmergė District Mayor Darius Varnas framed the development as an economic opportunity, noting plans for a logistics hub that would create jobs and improve local infrastructure, including a long-awaited southern bypass for the city. However, critics argue the depots pose a safety risk, claiming explosions could endanger residents in a conflict scenario.

The Kapčiamiestis dispute saw protests outside the Seimas, with 105 MPs voting in favour of the training ground, 12 against, and four abstaining. Opposition lawmakers, including Dainius Gaižauskas, alleged violations of coalition agreements, citing a lack of prior consultation.

As in Kapčiamiestis, Ukmergė’s project may hinge on whether the Defence Ministry can address local concerns—particularly over safety and transparency—before construction begins.