N. Zableckis: “Borderland peatlands must be bogging down enemy tanks”

N. Zableckis

How many ways are there to defend Lithuania’s land border from an aggressor from the East? “Hedgehogs,” “dragon’s teeth,” anti-tank and anti-personnel mines – such counter-mobility measures are probably the first that come to mind. But there is another one – a natural barrier that has protected Lithuania from enemies throughout history: peatlands. The same peatlands that were aggressively drained during the Soviet era, and which today would be very useful for bogging down Russian tanks.

That tanks sink perfectly in swamps is something we recalled this spring – though only briefly. At the same time, in Western Europe, calls are already circulating to restore a “water wall” – swamps in the frontline states’ border areas with the aggressor. Scientists point out that in the war in Ukraine, natural barriers, especially peatlands, play if not the first, then the second fiddle. Lithuania’s historical chronicles confirm this – more than one enemy of Lithuania has been lured into swamps and sunk to their depths.

The timing of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was no coincidence – winter is the only time when frost sets in, creating the conditions necessary for Russian armed forces to cross Polesia (Ukr. Полісся) – a wetland-rich region in northern Ukraine – and reach Kyiv. For the rest of the year, these areas are difficult for military units to traverse and completely impassable for heavy military equipment.

What does this mean? That a “water wall” significantly narrows the territory through which an enemy can attempt to advance. Swampy areas are impassable and can only be crossed when frozen. This means that if an offensive is attempted through swamps, there will be only a very short window of opportunity – mid-winter. With climate change and warming winters, this frozen period may become very short or disappear altogether. There are further advantages – such a wall cannot be destroyed. On the contrary, natural peatlands are practically impassable, and over time, their bogginess only increases. So why, when border wall construction has become a political trend, do we not hear discussions in Lithuania about restoring peatlands for defense purposes?

Nature is a powerful tool for national defense. Countries have historically been protected by natural barriers – mountains, deserts, rivers and lakes, glaciers and cliffs. The difference is that mountains still tower today, wide rivers still flow, deserts remain in place – and countries continue to use them for defense. Unfortunately, Lithuania is different: we long ago destroyed our main natural barrier – peatlands.

During the drainage period, we lost the majority – 75% of Lithuania’s peatlands. More than two-thirds of all swamps in Lithuania were drained, damaged, or completely destroyed. The Soviet era contributed the most to this. Now we are obliged to restore them – this is also stipulated by the European Union’s Nature Restoration Regulation. In the next five years, under these commitments, we must restore 40,000 hectares of swamps, and by 2050 – more than 60,000 hectares.

We reviewed the data and we urge – Lithuania needs to start restoration faster, and begin with the territories at the border. The benefits will be multiple, from fulfilling environmental commitments to strengthening national defense.

First, in the Lithuania–Belarus border area, including the buffer zone, a “water wall” could cover 59,000 hectares. Currently, more than half of this area consists of peatlands that have been affected by drainage.

Second, biodiversity restoration – returning habitats to endangered species of birds, reptiles, and plants. Dozens of these are now listed in Lithuania’s Red Book. By destroying swamp habitats, we irreversibly destroyed the life that once thrived in them.

Third, benefits for people – peatlands prevent the spread of wildfires, absorb floodwaters, store CO₂, and thus help mitigate climate change. Restoring peatlands is one of the most effective and yet one of the least exploited tools in fighting the greenhouse effect and its consequences.

If we are to restore peatlands in Lithuania, why not start with the border with the aggressor?