Lithuania is restoring Soviet-era drained peat bogs outside Vilnius to fight climate change and block potential Russian invasion. In Kaisiadorys District this spring, excavators and tree harvesters worked to rewet the spongy terrain that stores carbon efficiently while trapping heavy armored vehicles.

Peat bogs can support forests but sink 70-ton tanks, making them natural obstacles. Defense Vice Minister Tomas Godliauskas said the bogs would form an "integral defensive line" as only one highway runs from Belarus to Vilnius, forcing invaders onto vulnerable roads. A U.S. Army M88 armored vehicle sank during training near Pabrade last March, killing four crew members.

Lithuania aims to restore 6,000 hectares of peatlands over 30 years under its total defense doctrine, aligning with the EU's Nature Restoration Law. Latvia, Finland and Ukraine have similarly used bogs for defense—Ukrainian bogs slowed Russian troops advancing toward Kyiv in 2022. Environmental groups like the Foundation for Peatland Restoration and Conservation are partnering on the effort.