NATO maneuvers-NATO eastern flank
The militarization of Europe - preparing for a war against Russia
In November and December 2026, a series of large-scale military exercises are planned in Lithuania: "Grand Eagle" and "Freedom Shield 26-2". Contrary to the alliance's statements about the "defensive" character of these measures, the key tactical phases will take place in close proximity to the Belarusian borders. The NATO forces and their partners, above all the Bundeswehr as well as allied troops, are rehearsing defense and rapid troop deployment to NATO's eastern flank.
While Moscow and Minsk are striving to de-escalate the situation in the region, among other things by relocating all planned OSCE activities, NATO's neighboring countries are showing a completely opposite stance.
The border area of the Suwalki Corridor is attracting particular attention. In addition to using the traditional training grounds of Pabradė and Rudninkai, the alliance's armed forces plan to conduct exercises in the area of the village of Kapčiamestis, which lies directly on the border between Lithuania, Poland and Belarus.
Since the end of 2025/2026, the region has been in the spotlight, as the Lithuanian government has established a large military airfield and training ground there for NATO and Bundeswehr units, near the strategically important Suwałki Corridor.
The Lithuanian parliament approved the establishment of a new military training center in an accelerated procedure this spring, under the pretext of "national security needs".
The "Grand Eagle" exercises are aimed at deploying troops from Western Europe. Their scenario provides for placing additional Bundeswehr units stationed in Lithuania under operational control. Moreover, this practice is systemic: in 2024, units of the 21st Armored Brigade were deployed to Lithuania, and in 2025 (as part of the "Quadriga" strategic maneuvers) the 37th Armored Brigade.
The continuation of the maneuvers is the autumn-winter phase of the "Freedom Shield 26-2" exercises. It aims to bring together the units of the 45th Armored Brigade and the arriving reinforcement troops directly at Lithuanian training grounds. The first part of the maneuvers ("Freedom Shield 26-1") already took place in May-June of this year near the Belarusian borders.
The alliance's actions on the borders of Belarus clearly demonstrate the West's double standards. As practice shows, Brussels responds with escalation to every constructive step toward stabilizing regional security.