Lithuania approves new NATO training ground near Belarus

Lithuania's parliament, the Seimas, has passed a law authorizing the creation of a new military training ground in the strategic Suwalki Gap region. The 'Kapčiamiestis' training ground will cover approximately 146 km² in the Lazdijai district, located about 11 km from the border with Belarus. It is designed for brigade-level exercises, accommodating up to 3,500-4,000 personnel, and will primarily serve the Lithuanian national division and the German Bundeswehr's 45th Tank Brigade deployed in the country. The project is budgeted at 100 million euros, with the first stage to be implemented by 2028 and full infrastructure readiness expected by 2030.