Lithuanian president suspects Russia contributing to disinfo about Kapciamiestis training

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda suspects that Russia is contributing to the spread of disinformation about the planned Kapciamiestis training area.

He plans to visit Kapciamiestis later this week to meet with local residents, adding that he is ready for a constructive and honest discussion.

"I am definitely going there ready for a constructive and honest discussion, respecting people's opinions, trying to convince them and, first of all, refute the lies that are now pouring in from all sides, probably not without Russia's help," Nauseda said in an interview with BNS.

"People now have many fears… most importantly, unfounded fears - about mass forest clearing, about land seizures, and about the fact that security will not be guaranteed," he said, adding that he is ready to talk to the residents of Kapciamiestis and the surrounding area about the benefits that the neighboring training area would bring.

According to Nauseda, the benefits planned by the central government for the areas hosting training area "will stimulate the development of this region, which is perhaps a little remote and could be much more economically viable."

There is currently a shortage of training sites for the Lithuanian army, the president pointed out, adding that it is necessary to conduct exercises in order to have armed forces ready for a possible conflict.

"An army that eats three times a day, sleeps, and does nothing is not an army," Nauseda pointed out.