Poland and Finland Consider Restoring Wetlands to Defend Against Russian Tanks

Poland and Finland are exploring the possibility of restoring drained wetlands as a natural barrier against a potential ground invasion by Russia.

According to Politico, the restored peat bogs could serve as an effective defense, hindering the advance of enemy armored vehicles, including tanks, as well as infantry forces.

Most of Europe’s peatlands are concentrated along NATO’s border with Russia and its ally Belarus – stretching from the Finnish Arctic through the Baltic states and into eastern Poland.

Scientists claim that restoring some of the drained wetlands in this region would be a relatively cheap and simple measure to simultaneously achieve Europe’s environmental conservation and defense goals.

“When the terrain is boggy, it becomes a dangerous trap for military trucks and tanks,” the publication notes.

Finland’s Ministries of Defence and the Environment will begin talks in the fall on launching a pilot project to restore peatlands.

As for Poland, the publication writes that the country’s defense ministry is interested in restoring wetlands along the eastern border.

The issue is currently being discussed by scientists, as well as the ministries of defense and the environment.

Poland is currently implementing the Eastern Shield program, which involves the construction of a network of fortifications, barriers, and obstacles to strengthen the border with Russia and Belarus.

The project was presented in May 2024. According to the plan, the government will invest 10 billion zlotys ($2.55 billion) in its construction. Completion is scheduled for 2028.

On the evening of August 25th, a soldier was injured on Poland’s border with Belarus.