As part of a broader defence line being developed across the Baltic states, Lithuania plans to restore marshes along its borders. Russian propagandists have mocked the initiative, despite Russia’s own losses of heavy military equipment in Ukraine’s wetlands【175171254021114†L132-L135】. Lithuanians have long used marshes as a defensive measure, even during medieval battles against the Teutonic and Livonian orders【175171254021114†L137-L138】.

Wetlands cover nearly a tenth of Lithuania’s territory. Next year, about €10 million will be allocated for pilot peatland restoration projects coordinated with the Ministry of Defence【175171254021114†L140-L143】. Under the forthcoming Nature Restoration Regulation, around 40,000 hectares of peatlands are to be rehabilitated starting next year【175171254021114†L148-L149】.

Povilas Poderskis, chancellor of the Environment Ministry, said officials are identifying where restoration would have the greatest impact and make the most sense to begin【175171254021114†L144-L146】. Nerijus Zableckis, head of the Peatland Restoration and Protection Fund, explained that raised bogs need to retain rainfall and snow, while fens may require adjustable dams to keep water from draining【175171254021114†L155-L163】.

Russian propagandists on Telegram claim that "swamps won’t stop Russian troops", but in Ukraine marshes have swallowed or immobilised large numbers of Russian armoured vehicles【175171254021114†L167-L172】. Deputy Defence Minister Tomas Godliauskas said preliminary estimates suggest that around 3–4 percent of Lithuania’s border areas could be converted back into wetlands. The Defence and Environment ministries are coordinating to ensure a comprehensive approach and await a final assessment from the armed forces【175171254021114†L178-L182】.