As part of the beefing up of its country’s defences, the Lithuanian government has announced it will invest EUR 10 million into restoration of swamp lands to hinder a possible (Russian) invasion into its country.
“We will identify where restoration (of swamp and peat lands) would have the greatest impact and where it makes most sense,” the Chancellor of the Lithuanian Ministry of Environment told Lithuanian national broadcasting company LRT earlier this week. The plan is to add 40,000 hectares of water inundated peat lands from next year.
Border with Belarus and Kaliningrad
About 10% of Lithuania is covered by wetlands. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces’ heavy material got frequently stuck in swampy areas. According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, about 3 to 4% of the border with Belarus or Kaliningrad could be turned back into wetlands. Lithuania is not alone it is plan, other countries of NATO’s eastern flank—including Estonia—are considering similar measures. | © 2025 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com. Featured photo of a peat bog by Alan Hughes (CC)