Wetlands against Putin: the strategy of Russia's neighbors to defend themselves

BerlinThe geopolitical reality in Europe changed drastically in 2022 with the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, forcing European countries to rethink their defense strategies and seek innovative solutions that go beyond investing billions of euros in conventional weaponry, tanks, and anti-drone systems. Now, some European countries bordering Russia and Belarus, a Kremlin ally, are studying the restoration of wetlands—peatlands, marshes, and swamps—to create natural barriers capable of halting Russian tanks in the event of a land invasion. The idea originated with a group of scientists specializing in wetlands, who proposed restoring and utilizing peatlands located along the eastern borders of the European Union as a "natural defense" to deter potential Russian aggression. This measure would contribute "both to security and defense capabilities, as well as to climate and nature conservation," according to Hans Joosten and Franziska Tanneberger, members of the German peatland conservation center Greifswald Mire Centre, and Malte Schneider, managing director of the nature restoration company Aeco. "Naturally wet peatlands, and also those that have become wet again, are impassable for tanks, which slows troop movements and forces them to use predictable corridors that are easier to defend," the scientists explain.

Wetlands have historically played a crucial role in military defense due to their inaccessibility. "Natural peatlands are very wet and, in fact, cannot be crossed except, with caution, on foot," explains Joosten, emeritus professor of peatland studies and paleoecology at the University of Greifswald. But in recent centuries, and especially in the 20th century, many have been drained for agriculture and forestry, which has considerably increased their accessibility, Joosten notes.

It turns out that most of the European Union's peatlands are concentrated on NATO's eastern border with Russia and BelarusFrom Finland to Poland, including the Baltic states. Poland's wetlands, for example, represent 18% of the country's territory. Countries like Finland and Poland are now considering restoring wetlands and turning them into a natural ally against Putin.

Natural minefields

"The natural environment of border areas is a clear ally for any action that reinforces the elements of the Eastern Shield," explains a spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Defense. The same is true in Latvia, where the country's National Armed Forces have already supported a European Union-funded project to restore some wetlands. A similar initiative exists in Lithuania. Scientists propose integrating peatlands into security and defense strategies and beginning to restore those located on international borders, thereby re-establishing "nature-based lines of defense." "It has the same effect as laying minefields, but it is much more humane," says Joosten, who explains that the moisture in peatlands is "sufficient to prevent the entry of heavy vehicles (tanks and heavy artillery) and the rapid advance of soldiers."

"Although the idea of ​​restoring wetlands is useful and appealing, it shouldn't be given too much importance. The Baltic countries must prepare for a 21st-century war that may be completely different from what we have seen so far," argues Maris Andzans, director of the Center for Geolithic Studies. He warns, "Russia is very aware of the natural and man-made obstacles on our side of the border. Currently, drone defense and air defense in general are much more pressing issues for the Baltic countries," he concludes. It is no secret that the war in Ukraine has been key to refining the uses of drones, key elements in present and future warfare.