Dear President Gitanas Nausėda,
Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas,
Members of the Seimas,
Minister of Environment Simonas Gentvilas,
and EU/NATO Representatives,

We, the undersigned, stand united as We the  People who are inseparable from nature.

 Lithuania's forests are not just land—they are our home, our heritage, our lungs, our refuge for peace, healing, and well-being. In the pristine Dzūkija region, places like Kapčiamiestis sustain communities, wildlife, rivers, tourism, and our shared spirit.
Yet, plans for a new brigade-sized military training ground in Kapčiamiestis threaten this harmony: potential deforestation (even if limited to 10-15%), disruption to protected Natura 2000 sites, forced relocations of dozens of farmsteads and homes, loss of recreation spots that nurture our souls, and deep stress for local families (some have requested psychological support).

We saw the power of unity firsthand on January 25, 2026: Over 1,000 ( to be more exact about 7 thousand )people from across Lithuania (including Tauragė, Kaunas, Druskininkai, and more) formed an 8 km human chain between Kapčiamiestis and Sopočkinas.

Waving Lithuanian flags, wearing national colors, singing patriotic songs, and standing together in the snow-covered forest, we showed that true security includes harmony with the earth—not sacrificing it.

[Header Image: Aerial view of the 8 km human chain through the snow-covered Dzūkija forest – cars and people stretching into the distance, showing the massive, peaceful unity amid pristine nature.]

[Gallery Image 1: Close-up of protesters holding Lithuanian flags and standing arm-in-arm in the snowy woods – families, elders, and youth together, embodying our deep bond with the land we defend.]

[Gallery Image 2: People wrapped in tricolor flags and scarves, waving them high against the winter forest backdrop – a symbol of patriotism and love for our homeland's nature.]

[Gallery Image 3: The crowd gathered on the road, with the Tauragė sign visible – solidarity from across Lithuania, proving this is a national call for balance between security and preservation.]
[Gallery Image 4: Warm moments of hugs and smiles among participants in the cold – reminding us that peace starts with human connection and care for our shared environment.]

This militarization stems from real security concerns, but endless escalation isn't the only path. We call for a wiser, more humane approach:

Prioritize diplomacy: Fully support peaceful dialogue initiatives—like the Board of Peace and ongoing Ukraine-Russia talks—to ease border tensions and reduce the need for large-scale military expansions near communities and forests.

Protect nature and people: Require transparent, independent environmental impact assessments with genuine public and local input; explore alternative sites; strictly minimize any clearing while integrating forests as natural protections; provide real support (including psychological care) for affected residents.

Build a balanced future: Choose defence measures that honor our unbreakable connection to the earth—investing in peace so Lithuania's forests, communities, and people can thrive together.
We are not separate from nature—we are part of it.

Join us in choosing dialogue over division, preservation over destruction. For Lithuania's people, our planet, and future generations.

Signed with hope, love for our homeland, and deep respect for the land that sustains us,
Agne 108 (from Vilnius) and voices from Kapčiamiestis and beyond.