Baltic States: Life on the Edge | ARTE.tv Documentary

Sharing a border with Russia, the atmosphere in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia is tense. Nobody there is under any illusion: If Ukraine falls, the Baltic states will be next on Putin's hitlist. How do artists live with this ever-present threat?
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Baltic States: Life on the Edge | ARTE.tv Documentary
🗓 Available until the 16/04/2028
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[@dannydetonator]

For the first 22 minutes i wondered if it was too hard to get anybody for interviews in Latvia for this very relevant doc. So surprised to suddenly see my hometown, at a mere 6 min. drive from me. Very greatful to ARTE, Yevgeniya and Bozhina for showing this enchanted shore, merçi beacoup! Everything these Russian "opposition" journalists said is true, however brief was the description. Jūrmala is among the most russified cities in Baltics and a good example how language and ethnicity is not a reason for division or excuse for agression (like falsely claimed for Eastern Ukraine). In some areas you hear predominantly russian language, never a problem. It also has one of the most expensive housing markets in Baltics (location dependant), so a lot of oligargchs, politicians and show-biz stars have acquired immobiliers at the most exclusive locations here. I guess the largest part of them are Russians (excluding politicians, mostly local). My mother was working for the local council authority as a planning project approval specialist over 10y. ago and had to deal with them daily. All i'll say here is that people are diverse, but often entitled according to wealth. Those friendly with Putin's regime cannot and i hope will not return here, some assets of officially sanctioned persons have been frozen too. We're working on plans to release these assets to help Ukraine, but it's often complicated. If successful this could become a precedent for the rest of $300B globally sanctioned Russia's assets. We're not afraid, but there is some unease simmering just below the surface. Most important now is to stay united avoiding our new/old adversary to find cracks to split us up and never to see Russian army on our soil again. We're hoping for the best, but quietly preparing for the worst. P.S. I spent some years in France and never thought i'll see my city on French TV in these circumstances. Trés fort.

[@karelkieslich6772]

They aren’t the weakest European point, quite the opposite: the strongest and most badass! Love for you, Balts, from Czechia ❤️

[@mignas]

Prussia is waiting to become a Czech exclave. Rumours about 4th baltic nation aren’t baseless.

[@martinskesteris8664]

We love Krtek!

[@andreisemerenko9249]

Obviously, you know nothing about balt.states..

[@АлександрТараданов-р5я]

It is not easy if your neighbor is fascist Russia.

[@Onionbaron]

Any reports on how your neighbor is managing with the denazification!??? 😇😂

[@Noelis]

@@Onionbaron Well Russia lost only 450k soldiers and only 15k of equipment like tanks, btr and else, not great not terrible.

[@immoralwombat6843]

@@Onionbaron Sad to say that Orks are adapting, at this point they have upper hand I believe.

[@fidenemini111]

@@immoralwombat6843 They don't have hands, only limbs.

[@immoralwombat6843]

@@fidenemini111 Well said.

[@GGBBGGBB940]

Very questionable choice to ask a russian citizen to speak on behalf of Latvians. There were 1.2 milions (63% of the population) you could choose from.

[@yts4106]

You are saying that in a similar documentary about the UK, a Latvian living there should not be allowed to speak?

[@mdjey2]

@@yts4106 They shouldn't be asked.

[@GGBBGGBB940]

​@@yts4106There is no problem that she speaks on behalf of a Russian immigrant who came to the country a year ago. The problem is that the story asks for the opinion of Lithuanians and Estonians, but instead of Latvians, a Russian citizen is speaking. In a similar situation, it would be normal for a Latvian immigrant to talk about his experience in the UK, but it would not be normal for it to be presented as a British point of view

[@JibberishOnTheNet]

I've seen so many short documentaries where instead of interviewing Latvians, they choose to talk to a Russian person instead. And it's strangely always about the history of Latvia that they want to ask about.

[@eesti919]

I too found it strange when everyone in Estonia and Lithuania spoke pretty good English and then in Latvia you get a woman who possibly speaks nothing beside russian, because why bother learning languages?

[@manometras]

They are three different Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia. Why are they called states, while no other countries of Europe are called states is beyond me. Why other people of the EU seem to be ready to easily give them over to the nazzistic imperialistic Russia again, is also beyond me. I live in Kaunas, Lithuania. It is in the EU and in NATO for 20 years now.

[@Blanka1100]

Take it easy., ignorance is not a sin. Most people in Western Europe still can not see any difference between soviet republic and soviet satelite and they seem to be suprised we don't speak russian. There is not much we can do about it. Greetings from Poland.

[@mihuhih2186]

every country in the EU is an EU state, isn't it?

[@Ignas_]

They're not EU states, they're "nation states" or "states of the Baltic 'brotherhood'", "šalys" o ne "valstijos", whichever you like more. We have more important things to worry about than what coined phrases other countries are using.

[@kvassman_]

Lithuania and Latvia do have very similar languages, they cant communicate with eachother, but often you can make out the idea of what was said if you have been exposed to both languages enough​@tiram12

[@manometras]

@@Ignas_ , I would guess the Baltic people who were forced to emigrate from their countries due to dangers of the soviet and nazzi occupants of their countries, and who then migrated to the USA easily agreed on Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia being called states, not countries, by their new fellows in the USA. Some of the Lithuanians who returned to the restored independent country from the USA also call the United States of America valstybės, not valstijos. It is kinda right, but feels kinda wrong at the same time. And yes, that’s not the main problem of our three Baltic countries which had never been as united as the states of the USA.

[@milenaswieboda4131]

Sending much love to our Baltic neighbours from Poland. I feel you 😔

[@chilleris]

Problem is. Poland, Ukraine, Baltic countries works to save Europe, but East are just blushing and not inputing work to save and work agianst Russians. They don't understand what pain was being in Soviet Ocupation Slava Ukraine and hello to Brothers in Baltics

[@domkaz1669]

I think name Baltic States should be change to Baltic Countries. These countries are sovereign and independent, with their own governments.

[@gustavskalnare7874]

What do you mean? Can you elaborate

[@domkaz1669]

@@gustavskalnare7874 states can have a meaning they are not sovereign or independent, while country has a meaning it is sovereign and independent, with its own government.

[@enemy1191]

Some do say Countries. While title in wiki is States, the first line tho mentions Countries "The Baltic states or the Baltic countries is a". I have heard that some say states, some say countries.

[@ugnikalnis]

The Baltic States is 3 Countries Lithuania Latvia n Estonia. The Baltic countries would be that Bordering The Baltic Sea

[@domkaz1669]

@@ugnikalnis Oh, I see. Good point.

[@realhawaii5o]

I live in Tallinn and I've seen these edited photos. It was quite a heavy reminder of what Russia is doing...

[@bendikkirkbakk1833]

You have nothing to worry about. Your already in Nato (Russia have accepted that)and your to small to pose any threat to Russia. They can take you down over along weekend, but they woulden't. Russia could not tolerate ukrain in Nato(existential threat). Russia have tried diplomacy with the west and ukrain for over 10 years. Ukrain stupidly tried to enter NATO. Abselout crazy idiocy. The war did not have to happen.

[@Worldgonemad99]

The fact GDP has tripled in less than 20 years tells you everything you need to know about the independent Baltic States vs under the Soviet system.

[@tomaszukauskas502]

Independent Baltic Countries, not States…

[@nvdolcevita1717]

Why in Latvia you didn’t interview Latvian people, but a Russian person? 🤷‍♀️😒

[@claredelamer7940]

Part of my DNA is East-European, BALTIC + FINN. I live in Britain. I was born + adopted in Liverpool. I have often - throughout my life - wanted to move to the Baltic States + Finland.

[@Leonor.]

I've lived in Tallinn for over 10 years now because my partner is Estonian. Estonia is a beautiful and peaceful country, and Estonians are lovely and kind people. I'd never go back to my country if it wasn't for the threat of war. It truly breaks my heart to see how many people are living on the edge and in fear because of this fascist scum.

[@erglis1145]

Why did you pick Russian speaking for Latvian part. Common.

[@Magnesiumjar]

The only person you could find in Latvia was a Russian?

[@markusmeldre]

Looks like the ruzzian troll farms have already been activated under this video.

[@free_shortvideo]

There was lithuanians, esotonians, but not one latvian. Why?

[@GGBBGGBB940]

Maybe noone wanted to talk to them. After whole TV Rain stuff, Latvians generaly dislike any kind of russian journalists. We don't beat them up or anything, just avoid them.

[@free_shortvideo]

@@GGBBGGBB940 please do not talk about things you know nothing about!

[@mdjey2]

@@GGBBGGBB940 We do have more cities than Jūrmala, you realise right? I remember Varlamov was doing video and he picked all 3 major Russian speaking cities even though Liepāja is in top 3 while Jūrmala is 5th.

[@GGBBGGBB940]

​@@free_shortvideowho makes you think I don't know anything about the subject?

[@free_shortvideo]

@@GGBBGGBB940 For example, just because there are many Russian journalists in Riga who fled to Latvia. No one chases them away and they even have special free rooms. I have talked to some of them personaly.

[@immoralwombat6843]

Mad disrespect to Latvia, segment about Latvia and not a single word spoken in Latvian languge. ''From RuZZia with love'' and on background shows Latvian seaside town from which Latvians where deported and killed by RuZZians , mad disrespect.

[@dannydetonator]

Why disrespect Latvia because of a French Arte documentary choices, even _mad_ disrespect? Looks like they didn't have correspondents in Latvia and only contact were Russian opposition journalists. My guess they wanted to show another angle (this was about Russian influence and life in one of the most Russian cities) or didn't know how to get hold of Latvian correspondents, which is strange. Yes, my grandparents were deported and opressed all trough Soviet occupation from this very area, but it's history we hope not to repeat. However it's what they said what's important, not their ethnicity or language. Bozhina is most likely a Latvian citizen despite being ethnically Russian. I'll do some OSINT on her, as i live in the very area she filmed in, but all she said was true, which also corresponds to what Estonian 5 minuut musician said. Arte should have gotten hold of Latvians too though, like even me or my friends could have done better.

[@yts4106]

35% of Latvians speak Russian. Why do you want to cancel their language?

[@immoralwombat6843]

@@yts4106 Clearly you have no idea what you are talking about. About 30% of Latvia's population are Russians who arrived during occupation and about 60% of them can't speak or understand Latvian language, therefore creating 2 parallel societies. There is more to it, but no one tries to cancel anything.

[@immoralwombat6843]

@@dannydetonator I agree with most of what you said. It's just a bad choice of a song. Let's be honest, Bozenas point of view is far from the status quo among Russians in Latvia.

[@purpplekushh]

@@yts4106 Latvians speak many languages, average Latvian knows 3 languages, how small country will cancel language like Russian? Just don't force to us your language, we don't want to sponsor by our tax money Russian schools, Russian propoganda media, Russian political parties etc. Is it that hard to understand? English speakers here are 50%+, and we need to build now english schools all over the country? Why Brits doesn't make their political parties??

[@jonasjonava]

Lithuania. Kaunas... I wish you victory over the murderers - the red commissars. Glory to Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine!!!Lituanie. Kaunas... Je vous souhaite la victoire sur les meurtriers - les commissaires rouges Gloire à l'Ukraine et aux forces armées ukrainiennes !!!

[@heinrichollbers]

What’s up with the thumbnail? Is it deliberately misleading or just accidentally a very poor choice of a picture and text? I mean, come on, “Baltic states” + an image of a ruin? Really?

[@Shiknius]

Its a provoking clickbait, your brain is working correctly. Bravo!

[@esrulovoj]

Shame a documentary disrespected Latvia in such a way. So many opportunities to speak with Latvians, and you take a Russian.

[@David-fv8wk]

I like how people are ok with graffiti on buildings and trains. The only problem is that someone has to pay for you “hobby”. I’m the proud owner of some random graffiti on my wall. Seriously, hope you get punished for that one day. Do your graffiti in your own property, not communal neither other private property. It’s nonsense. Okay, there are special designated places for graffiti and the govt actually orders the art from time to time, however, supporting the culture where people damage others’ private property is silly. It’s fun until your property gets damaged. And guess what? You have to pay for repairs.

[@KohaAlbert]

As Estonian, fully agreed. I'd only add: make sketch on a paper and go ask from the owner - chances are that the owner actually agrees to it...

[@semsigratajs9505]

spending above 3% gdp on defense while middle EU countries cant hit 2%. Disgraceful title for a video. Instant dislike

[@vovaparkhomchuk]

I'd love to mention that the war started in 2014

[@Shiknius]

Thanks, Vova. When will it end tho is what everyone really wants to know.

[@dudarsky]

And for Latvia you got a russian to do the commenting........

[@chepulis]

Good to see some decent representation for our issues.

[@liudasbar]

Regarding preparedness, I agree. Living in Lithuania, I have starting building an emergency bag too. Always having full fuel tank in car.

[@DJTKarlsson]

@22:29 i see this too many times in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Fast driving Russians. Her comment made me laugh so much for some reason.

[@yogurtins]

Was waiting to see who will represent Latvia in this video and needless to say - I am disappointed 🤮

[@UtamagUta]

"Juodos akys, juodos rankos" will stuck in my memory for eternity 😱 You've struck gold with that one! The song is a bout children being afraid of black terrors creeping from the shadows (Shadow people in popular culture)

[@hashbringer975]

Dam, the intro song is a banger. Any idea how to find it?

[@MrBlox-nk8hj]

The song is Radvis-juodos akys

[@indrebutku]

With all due respect to current thought leaders of Ukraine, a saying 'we will be next' is disrespectful to Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian societies who have put all their effort to be independant from Russia, and become part of EU and NATO. Say a 'thank you' to the past generations first and to Endel Lippmaa, then find ways to protect the whole region from a shared enemy.

[@NisuUuno]

drawing crap on trains is not welcomed

[@fidenemini111]

True.

[@Edvardas11]

On walls as well. They are welcome to draw on their own houses though. Idk what kind of imbecile would promote this shit.

[@joris-rietveld]

What is the name of the music in the intro?

[@skoost1425]

The song is "RADVIS - JUODOS AKYS"

[@artetvdocumentary]

It's Juodos Akys, Radvis

[@joris-rietveld]

​@@skoost1425 thanks!

[@mataskundrotas8978]

Poland is close to the baltics. Poland is a friend of the baltics. Poland is extremely strong. so no worries at all

[@Eva-mv8ey]

Quite the opposite- Baltic countries are the strongest link in EU.

[@mdjey2]

Russians always complaining about two things regarding Latvia - Riga sprats and Novaya Walna. 😂

[@REGameFly]

Tėvukas Mazuroniui sakė “Eik šiukšles išmesk”

[@romansceculovs3667]

Respect

[@markust7709]

Why they are showing war-destroyed buildings in this video about Baltics? We have nothing like this.

[@stuff1044]

They are showing what we will look like if Russia wins in Ukraine.

[@sirdannycs]

Anyone know the song at 12:36?

[@thefaithisyours]

Let the people decide on their own and Vote. You are singer and Paranoid.

[@ananasaz2696]

Good music choice

[@mapetlv]

do you know the name of the song at the start?

[@ananasaz2696]

@@mapetlv Juodos Akys - Radvis

[@gregoryhillmercury645]

whats the song in the beginnig of the documentary

[@nekogusa]

Radvis - Juodos akys

[@artetvdocumentary]

It's Juodos Akys, Radvis

[@F1ZZAS]

Netiketa, nice.

[@donatasbeksa9097]

Looks like extremely cheap report. Graffiti is not even popular in Lithuania. At all. The opposite, country is paranoid of graffitti, it is heavily fined, artists prosecuted. I have no idea how they could choose some "graffitti artist" as the main theme for the video.

[@UtamagUta]

Au contraire, artistic painting on cities walls are encouraged and subsidized by corresponding municipalities and even official travel agencies offer a route to observe local wall art.

[@Shiknius]

Donatai atvaryk į Vilnių pažiūrėk oficialas sankcionuotas graffiti sienas po tiltais ir požeminėse perėjose, gal susidarys kitoks įspūdis? Atrodo nežinai pats iš kur kilęs.

[@lamzahs]

Latvia as always the most Russian like country. Shame.

[@fidenemini111]

That is the saddest part of what happened to Latvia.

[@gustavskalnare7874]

This is a bot response. Ignore, normal readers.

[@aivarasdarulis]

I always feel so sorry for Latvians as a Lithuanian. This is why the Forest Brothers resistance was so crucial, I know it did exist in Latvia too, but on way lesser scale and lasted way shorter. Our partisans were active even when Khrushchev stopped the forced Russification of the Baltics (sending or killing natives and re-settling Russians), as our partisans, usually with 1 warning, killed or chased away those occupants. This is why in the most intense period of russification, Russians failed, and hence we have 81% ethnic Lithuanians, 12% ethnic Poles who are of no trouble at all and lived here for 100's of years, and only 6-7% of Russians, who are way better integrated than Russians in Estonia or Latvia.

[@gustavskalnare7874]

@@aivarasdarulis okay, but youre the integrated russian in Lithuania, right? So you would not get it.

[@aivarasdarulis]

@@gustavskalnare7874 I am as ethnically Lithuanian as it gets, on paternal and maternal side. We did our family tree research thing, if you like, on father's side up until 1850's everyone was Lithuanian. On mother's side, for legal purpose, she had to prove that some land belongs to us, her family tree is absolutely Lithuanian, all from Panevėžys-Ukmergė back till 1780's. Any mixture before that would be unlikely anyways. But it does not matter really. Hating on Russians who are loyal to us is literally stupid and harmful, especially in Latvia and Estonia.

[@lukaszpawlowski6078]

A useless documentary in which the main protagonists (as too often is the case!) are artists, philosophers, medieval history PHD students - exactly the people that a DW journalists would feel most connected. Why didnt you interview the common people like state employees, trades people etc, it will be their attitude in face of the Russian aggression that will be decisive

[@Onionbaron]

The hunters enter the woods and starts looking for pray... Nothing new in northern countries... Not hunting the species but their alpha-males and their cronies... The ones responsible...

[@TormiKostla]

There are two Baltic countries - Latvia and Lithiania. Estonia is Nordic country, there is o baltic language spoken. In 1939, in Molotov-Ribbentrop pact there are 4 'Baltic' countries listed - Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland. Today no one considers Finland as Baltic country, they have got rid of this imerialistic stamp. UN has also listed Estonia as a Nordic country, so please doe everyone a favour and stop speaking about Estonia as a baltic nation. We are good neihbours though and remain so.

[@laurynasl8286]

@tiram12 Lithuanian here, no one really cares how are our 3 countries are called. The only people who care about the language describing us - are our 3 countries. That's like saying, the Baltics are Northern countries, not Eastern, but ultimately the only people who think that are us.

[@zcatharsis]

Only in terms of language. We are and always will be Baltic nation simply by the geography. It is like Mediterranean countries grouped by the Mediterranean sea. Also, why would anyone be butthurt because of someone calling us Baltic? We also have as much or even more in common with Latvia as we do with Finland. We will forever be in limbo between nordic and baltic cultures, because thats exactly what we are, somewhere in between.

[@KohaAlbert]

​@@zcatharsis what you speak here, is Baltic Rim - inclusive to everyone around that sea. not just language, but in several other aspects as well... Like Latvians and Lithuanian are the Balts, Estonians are Finnic (related to Kvens, Livonians, Karjalans, Finns through language and on folkloric grounds - just like Sardinians are to French and Romanians). Balts are fine, but this avoids oddities like "mutual intelligibility between the Estonian and Latvian?" or "traditional Lithuanian folk dance Kaerajaan and the national dish mulgipudru hülgelihaga kamakastmes" ...

[@ragnarssr]

yeah eu weak point. estonia give money russia stronger money get points..

[@k0ntrol851]

yeye keep yapping and scaring people. as an estonian i stopped following news a while ago and my life is without worries

[@k0ntrol851]

@@MrZRager i dont even speak russian lmao

[@jonasjonava]

Lituanie. Kaunas... Je vous souhaite la victoire sur les meurtriers - les commissaires rouges Gloire à l'Ukraine et aux forces armées ukrainiennes !!!

[@saldussapnai3464]

Bru literally today Russia desided that some part of Estonia sea is now Russian. If u aint training ur body mind and maybe some deffence for your family ant communty its aint go bruh. Im frome Lithunia following Ukraine war since day 1 learded comoflague compiuters cyper seciurty and now whna be like csi crime investigator whna hellp poor peoplle :( im aint afraid of Russia and whill insta come to Estonia to hellp❤

[@dannydetonator]

@saldussapnai3464 You're doing exactly what everyone should be. However most likely you're replying to the soft propaganda kremlinbot. Not to watch or trust news and discrediting all sources, staple methods. Besides apparently done without actually watching the video, which is far from fearmongering.

[@Shiknius]

​@@saldussapnai3464your englitch so bad and your paranoia so deep I'm more scared of what YOU might do

[@roberts.sanders23]

Lol. Its nothing like that here in Latvia. These kinda videos are made for West Europe people to feel scared for us.. If you have any knowledge about geopolitics, then you should understand that there is nothing special about Baltics. It would be a tragedy to invade 3 small NATO countries for basically nothing. There is no any special infrastructure or any resources to fight for. I have read some comments that Baltic sea may be the main goal for Russia. But do you really think Russia would risk everything for couple km of sea which is also guarded by Finns, Sweden and Norway? EU needs more reasons to continue the war and they are trying to scare people that we are getting invaded soon. Especially West attention, because basically you all sponsor the war, not us in East. I see these kinda videos as provocative for West + the dude him self in beginning said he works in government. And ofc, since when do we trust our politics?

[@akubilinskas9]

Do you think Russia have logic?I very good remembering when not so long time ago everybody was laughing about Russia invasion in Ukraine..now whos laughing?

[@aivarasdarulis]

The reason is a buffer space, as it was in USSR and before that, Russian Empire, days. Also usable in winter ports like Klaipėda or Liepaja, and proper land connection with Belorus and Kaliningrad. Do not be naive, they always had and do and will have their eyes and deviant ideas on us. We Lithuanians have them as an enemy since Moscovia became a dutchy, then tsardom, then empire, later a union under Bolsheviks. Unlike our Baltic brothers, we had our statehood for 800 years and all this time these bastards from the East, in some shape or form, every 20-50-100 years try us. You sufferred no less but you had other entities to take care of that for you (Crusaders, Germans, Danes, Swedes), whereas we, and later, Poles, were the ones who for 800 years were holding either Mongols or Russians to advance into Europe.

[@karliskokorevics6902]

They also had no reason to invade us in 1940, yet they did.

[@RoliRuli]

+15 roubles

[@Maysti87]

He is already planning his escape

[@thomasvilhar7529]

I despise the all with graffiti. Destroying property is bad. Rebecca and the others I respect a lot.

[@MrSkeptik-z5r]

There were NO threats coming from Russia until the US started expanding GnATo where it wasn't welcome.Baltic states were very foolish to believe America would save them from ANYTHING. 'To be an enemy of America is dangerous, to be a friend is FATAL 'Henry Kissinger' Baltics ignore this advice to their peril.

[@pppLT19]

Expansion started in early 2000s and russians had no problems with it. They actually said that baltics joining is fine, because sovereign states have a right to decide for themselves. Up until Crimean occupation Putins was being invited to every NATO summit to talk about future plans and he wenr. Finland joined NATO, Finland has even longer border with russia than Ukraine. What did russians do? They moved their troops AWAY from Finland to reinforce Ukraine. You know why? Because they know no one in NATO is planning to attack them. Also russia itself uses racial and imperialistic justifications for invasion, like "Ukraine shouldnt exist its just extension of russia eitherway". Its pure imperialism.

[@tyxeri48]

Ok. One can understand the fear. But paramilitary groups? Are you kidding me?

[@SV-yf4et]

Whats wrong with that? They guy told you, he hates guns, but he doesn't want war. That's why he joined.

[@janissturitis2386]

It is not really paramilitary. Just volunteer civilian service in the state's armed forces.

[@greyroof3120]

In the baltic countries paramilitary groups are strictly non political groups that are armed by and work with the government and the armed forces. There aren't several of them, just one for each country. They are pretty much meant for people who want to defend their country against invasions but don't want to join the military as career soldiers. In there one gets military training usually during weekends and they participate in military exercises. It's essentially like national guard in the U.S except it can't be deployed and is strictly for homeland defense.

[@fidenemini111]

@@SV-yf4et Si vis pacem para bellum - nihil novi sub sole . What the other option would you suggest? To collaborate with the enemy? Pretend that nothing's happening?

[@Shiknius]

​@fidenemini111 I could think of many things to do instead of living in fear or feeling like I need to protect something my own government cares little about

[@rexiioper6920]

why were these countries even allowed into the EU

[@MultiGames4You]

So you could ask

[@rh7018]

because they went through a lenghty process of harmonising legislation with EU standards, passed many checks - Baltics states are among top in the world in human, media, economic and political freedoms.

[@Blanka1100]

Why not? They are doing better than Greece or Portugal for expample on so many different levels.

[@rexiioper6920]

@@rh7018 what rubbish 🤣

[@rexiioper6920]

@@Blanka1100 greece and portugal shouldn’t have been allowed in either

[@AbraXas-bi9ux]

enlarging the EU that far east was simply too early and a mistake. we should have focused on the deeper integration of the core members before moving to the East.

[@Vladasization]

Wrong. It was a complete success in economical, developmental and civilizational sense. Russia's violent reaction to it's shrinking influence and lack of soft power was and still is the greatest mistake, along in part with the West's reluctance to defend it's values the hard way when the time comes.

[@Vladasization]

@ziggyjewelry I'm chill. Just trying to counter those false arguments for those who may read it.

[@immoralwombat6843]

The RussBot is here, I was wondering when one of you will show up.

[@immoralwombat6843]

@@Vladasization There is no point arguing, don't waste your time.

[@Just_another_Euro_dude]

It was so bad that Baltics got similar standard of living like southern Europe now. Portugal and similar places. And Baltics now got full TWO TIMES better standard of living than in Russia and full THREE TIMES better standard of living than in Belarus.

[@shuzzbot]

NATO should not have poked the bear

[@zasmirko100]

NATO didn't poke anyone here, the bear is not some sleeping teddy bear but aggressive and murderous monster so all Fascist Russia's democratic neighbors are seeking protection.

[@Vladasization]

If NATO is to be blamed for something, then it is only for too weak and reluctant response towards Russia's aggression.

[@janissturitis2386]

Bear has rabies.

[@manometras]

The bear should poke and assault NATO when the bear is ready and willing instead, right?

[@MrZRager]

bear :DDD haha more like lice

[@WhatsNextt]

I think the Baltic countries are exaggerating

[@skirmantetumosaite3985]

Thinking is not for everyone 😅 Give up.

[@ChuckNorrisCanSeeU]

@@WhatsNextt Literally in first minutes of this video Russian media pundits are salivating over the idea of invading/destroying the Baltics. Including an ex general.

[@tautvydassaunuolis8576]

@@WhatsNextt Russian state media suggests invading/nuking it few times a month usually, you not hearing it doesn't mean shit.

[@edvinas111]

​@@WhatsNextt where you from expert?

[@WhatsNextt]

@@edvinas111 netherlands

[@aidasmatulaitis5175]

Slava Russia love from Lithuania 🇱🇹🤝🇷🇺❤️

[@gustavskalnare7874]

Go to Russia, so your sentence can look like - Slava Ruzzia love from Ruzzia

[@6anarcat65]

Tai ir varyk į tavo savo Rasija, o ne čia linkėjimus siuntęs iš Lietuvos

[@grazinalevinskaite3580]

Пнх! Троль 😡👊

[@Shiknius]

No, you both go in the corner for the shame of posting what you did

[@ervinsfreimanis285]

Why russian speaking lady is presenting 🇱🇻? Arte should have asked me, I've could have helped out 🫡

[@dannydetonator]

I guess they had no connections in Latvia. I live very near the place they filmed, but looks like they did with what they had. At least they showed the cohezion aspect of Latvian occupation consequences and the Russian opposition journalists spoke the truth. Strange choice, but it did not harm us. Tbh, if you chose randomly a person from Jūrmala, 50/50 it would be a Russian speaker. There should have been some Latvians too though, i wonder why they didn't organise it. It looks like they didn't have any Arte journalists and contacts in Latvia.

[@yts4106]

Nothing wrong with speaking Russian. It's the native language of 35% of Latvians.

[@ervinsfreimanis285]

@@yts4106Nothing wrong with speaking Russian indeed. I also speak freely if I choose to. Yet it would be cooler if journalist would at least present information in English as others in LT and EE did.

[@aivarasdarulis]

Because she is a Latvian national. All you people who are just like Western equivallent of Social Justice Warriors and get triggerred by literally everything. Stop embarrassing us. Your ancestors would be ashamed of you. Go get firearm licences, serve in the Army, be prepared. Instead of trying to prove something to people who do not care about you. Don't get surprised when the "biggest patriots" flee when the war starts, and all the maks will fall off. If a person is loyal to the country for real, let them speak whatever language they want. Don't you see what your policies have done already? You have almost half of population who hates you, is not integrated and loves Russia. Pushing them away even more will only make shit worse for you.

[@GGBBGGBB940]

@@yts4106 Latvian population not Latvians. And Bozhena is russian, so as all those willas in Jurmala.