How Natural Barriers Like Peat Bogs Can Halt Putin and Protect Europe
Globally, discussions are intensifying around the role of natural obstacles in defending the European continent from external threats, in particular from Russia.
Among the most unique and effective natural solutions are peat bogs, historically serving as strategic defensive assets.
Dutch biologist Hans Joosten emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring drained wetlands such as Kieshofer Moor in northeastern Germany, as they can serve as natural barriers against any military forces with heavy equipment.
According to him, these wetlands not only impede enemy advancement but also act as vital carbon sinks, helping combat climate change and preventing environmental degradation caused by human activity.The history and military strategy of employing natural obstacles date back centuries.
Since the times of Carl von Clausewitz, wetlands have been used to strengthen defense lines and make enemy advances physically difficult.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Netherlands actively used engineered floods to protect against Spanish and French invasions.
Today, European countries are once again exploring the potential of natural barriers to bolster their defense capabilities.Special attention is given to the role of wetlands and floodplains in modern conflicts.
For instance, during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Soviet-era dam located about 20 km north of Kyiv, significantly delaying Russian armored advances.
Military expert Viktor Kevlyuk points out that this natural obstacle allowed Ukraine to reinforce its defenses on the right bank of the Irpin River.
Such examples demonstrate that wetlands and water-based barriers remain effective tools in contemporary military strategies.Moreover, scientific research confirms that natural water-based barriers complicate enemy logistics and foster cooperative defense strategies among nations.
However, utilizing wetlands for military purposes also carries risks; a March 2023 incident where four US soldiers drowned during exercises near Lithuania’s border with Belarus highlights this danger.Given the above, experts emphasize the importance of integrating natural barriers into modern defense planning.
Biologist Michal Żmigor suggests that restoring and managing wetlands could serve as both ecological and strategic advantages for Europe and the global community in facing emerging threats.