Crisis, conflict and war - How NATO is preparing to resist | DW Documentary

NATO members are viewing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine with grave concern, especially those on the alliance’s eastern flank. They’re joining forces with German troops right on the Russian border.
Germany is the leading or "framework nation” in what is called the NATO Battle Group Lithuania. With its alliance partners, German forces are serving "on the front line” - right on the Russian border. They’re guarding NATO’s northeast flank against any possible incursion and ensuring the Baltic states are supported during times of crisis and, if necessary, conflict.
In the spring of 2023, Germany’s military is in Rukla and Pabrade, among other places, for maneuvers. There it is practicing with NATO partners from Croatia, the Czechia and the Netherlands to handle a Russian attack on the Baltic states. In full agreement with the NATO motto "train as you fight,” practice and training are closely-oriented to a genuine threat. The leader of the German contingent, Colonel Wolfgang Schmidt, points out the special historic significance and perceived peril in the Baltic. He says, "From historical experience, of course the perception of possible aggression - be it Russian or Belarusian - is far more intense here than in the Federal Republic of Germany.” He adds that not everyone has grasped the defense of "all that we stand for - modernity, freedom of opinion and speech and everything we describe as Western values begins here.” For a year, Schmidt says, the Ukraine has been fighting far more than their Russian attackers - they’re defending "our freedom,” too.
This report follows a major exercise called "Griffin Lightning.” A platoon commander with the Dutch Armed Forces emphasizes the importance of maneuvers and cooperation among the multinational forces. First Lieutenant Bent S. says, "We’re taking part in different exercises. Last week we were with the Norwegians. In a few weeks, the whole Battle Group will come together and we’ll train again with the Norwegians, Germans, Czechs and Croats. Nobody wants war, but if it really comes to it, we’ll be ready.”
This documentary provides an exclusive look at NATO maneuvers in Lithuania, which are unfolding closer than ever before to a genuine military threat.
#documentary #dwdocumentary #nato
______
DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.
Subscribe to:
⮞ DW Documentary (English): / dwdocumentary
⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): / dwdocumental
⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): / dwdocarabia
⮞ DW Doku (German): / dwdoku
⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): / dwdochindi
For more visit: www.dw.com/en/t...
Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: / dwdocumentary
Follow DW Documental on Facebook: / dwdocumental
We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: p.dw.com/p/MF1G

[@andrewvergosa4151]

Amazing... NATO is one of the best decisions formed by our leaders decades back and joining NATO was one of the best decision done by the Baltics as well...

[@Joey4rox]

It is great to see all these European countries coming together for a common defence.

[@Gizziiusa]

Finland has entered the Chat. Sweden has entered the Chat.

[@sigib911]

Lords of war...

[@TeslaCat333]

Instead to come together for a common peace they choose war.

[@cherrysaplings8166]

​@@TeslaCat333 Defending your people and sovereignty is not choosing war Lol. If anything it's Russia that chooses war.

[@GeoStreber]

@@TeslaCat333 The only ones that chose war are the russians. Any war for self-defence after your country is invaded is justified, and so is the preparation for it.

[@murpledurple]

An interesting and very reasonable piece, thanks to the film team and DW. One correction though: 18:22 "...didn't *REgain* independence until the early 1990s." All three Baltics were fully recognized independent states when the USSR occupied and annexed them during WWII, meaning the independence was regained/restored, not gained for the first time. It's a small but still important distinction to make, at least considering how much Russia has tried to rewrite the history of the Baltics to fit their own narratives.

[@eksiarvamus]

Journalists rarely know that, they are often quite simplistic people.

[@lovyrituraj]

they are generally Under Sweden- Germany or Russia for the last 1000 yrs this 1991-2023 is the longest they have been independent....enjoy till it lasts

[@murpledurple]

​@@lovyrituraj Well, 800 years for Estonia-Latvia (if we count Terra Mariana as 'Germany' which is a bit of a stretch) and 230 years for Lithuania. But yeah, history is a cruel mistress to small nations. Fortunately Germany and Sweden have abandoned their imperialist past in favour of mutual cooperation and respect, so the Baltics are safe from the western flank. In the east Russia has of course proven that their imperialism sadly still runs deep and militant, but at least their military capabilities seem have been heavily overestimated by the West. So I would imagine as long as NATO stands strong (which this documentary proves is the case), the Baltics can hope to have a safe and peaceful future.

[@deniseproxima2601]

​@@eksiarvamus Why you don't like the second brother grim?

[@neimi_ramg]

10:07 Do not lie, most of those countries does not believe in freedom of speech, those governments are even traitors to that value, MILITAR PROPAGANDA!

[@alexjgilpin]

The fundamental issue is that Solovyov and Margarita Simonyan on Russian national television claim that the war will not end until Moscow occupies Berlin with soldiers. She is rewarded with medals by Putin for saying so.

[@Langhammar]

From Sweden, Gotland, Fårö: Thinking of Kennedy's New Frontier speech, which I feel is more at home and relevant today than ever before. Something that all democracies in the world can stand behind, but also protection against those on the other side, the other side of The New Frontier. Слава Україні!

[@emiliaamaral1395]

Good look at eFP from the German perspective. Having been on the American side of eFP it was cool to work with all the other countries in the Battle Group.

[@Reticulosis]

It is wonderful to see Germany stepping up to the plate. Great job Germany 🇩🇪

[@monikadale8961]

And Germany will be the first Country to be Nuked besides Britain🤮🤮Ashamed of my own Country because it ie Americas Lapdog !

[@willemhill2265]

Great to see a NATO neo Nazi alliance Germans know a thing or two about Nazis. Wonderful times ahead!!!

[@Youllpayforthat]

@@willemhill2265 🤡

[@LoveMyPeople04]

@@willemhill2265 haha I spot a 🤡 🤡 🤡 🤡

[@85daniel]

@@willemhill2265 You're wrong! Russia is not part of the Nato!

[@FroggyTWrite]

this is a great example of why it's important for the various members of nato to practice fighting together, and why a strong standing military is needed today

[@BobQuigley]

Europe is the bloodiest continent in history. Our founders repeatedly warned us against overseas adventures in Europe. BTW you might want to compare body counts between Ukraine and Iraq/middle east. US has slaughtered over 4 million, wounded 6 million, created 38 million refugees. The same refugees drowning in the Mediterranean seas due to US forever wars. Since 1992 US has been involved in 251 conflicts including three hot wars. Iraq=Ukraine an illegal provoked war of choice by a flailing great power. In a just world Bush, Cheney, Nuland, Wolfowitz, Putin and his warmongers belong in prison. In addition the EU has lost it's way, Russia has zero desire to invade any other nation. NATO and US in 1992 committed to not moving NATO one inch east. They did so repeatedly. Of course the US does whatever it wants to any other nation. Destroyed Mexico, Central, South America over two hundred years of coups, invasions, thefts of resources. Lastly imagine China builds a naval base in Mexico? How long do ya think before US blows it to smithereens?? Russia has 1,700 nukes ready to fly.

[@inSainTed]

@@BobQuigley tl;dr also, stop spreading vatnik propaganda

[@treatpage]

@@BobQuigley It not just because of US dude..it’s because the people from those countries who gave opportunities by fight between themselves for example: Iraqi killed Iraqis by not giving any rights to minorities which had created a vacuum and let the countries to invade. Iraq is only an example if you see throughout the middle east you will see same thing pretty much in every middle eastern countries.

[@darwel007]

No way. Only serves to put more money ($10 million so far) into the Joe Biden bribery schemes.

[@DM_Laf]

Only rich corporations profit from wars. People need to educate themselves. Mainstream media really don't help with this, of course they don't, they are working for those same cooperations! In his 1956 book The Power Elite, sociologist C. Wright Mills stated that together with the military and political establishment, leaders of the biggest corporations form a "power elite", which is in control of the U.S pretending neutrality to maintain order, but serving the interests of the rich

[@HugisGuitarOfficialPage777]

respect to everyone defending freedom and our values from impotent zombies

[@thegoldenwolf3737]

You're all gonna d*e....

[@oldskoolrools1353]

You would think ordinary Russians might, just might, ask themselves why those countries that gained freedom and democracy after being part of the USSR thoroughly reject Russia now

[@ak5659]

They haven't asked themselves that once since gaining independence from the Mongols. Why would they start now?

[@Ronny5]

Putin und sein faschistisches Russland wird abgelehnt. Die meisten Menschen mögen kein Mafiaboss als Präsident. Mit den klar denkenden Russen hat dies nichts zu tun, die sind von der Ablehnung nicht betroffen. Slava Ukraine 🇩🇪❤️🇺🇦

[@dopecat_truecrime]

Most of the recent Russophobe is coming from the newer generation, people born after the collapse of the USSR, they never experienced it. They hate Russia because the mainstream media tells them to. People were very apathetic towards Russia before 2014 (annexation of Crimea).

[@oldskoolrools1353]

@@dopecat_truecrime If Russia didn't keep attacking its neighbours, nobody would give a fuck about Russia and there would be no Russophobia. They are an insignificant blot on the world

[@aivars594]

@@dopecat_truecrime I can say that we from the younger generation experienced a lot of consequences that came after. Our parents and grandparents shared their painful experiences of occupation as well. Actually, even after the collapse of the USSR, Moscow used the ex-USSR countries as puppet states, there was no absolute freedom. From many countries, the ruzzian army didn't leave straight away but stayed there for a few years. What's more, it's not like the attitude changed, the ruzzians still positioned themselves as a higher race or superior nation, few examples would be not respecting counties' language, oppressing patriotism, etc. Regarding the time before the annexation of Crimea - time heals, so before the relationship was somehow getting better, but after what ruzzia did and is doing now has opened all the wounds again...no one ever will forget what they have done! This also proved that they can never be trusted, as history repeats again and again. They are a warmongering and deeply disturbed nation that even with the biggest territory in the world and all that they have can't ever be happy...or developed.

[@theupsidedownworld99]

🌍🤝 It's truly inspiring to witness the collaboration of European countries in building a collective defense system. The unity and cooperation among nations for a common purpose is commendable. I'm intrigued to learn more about NATO's preparations to handle crises, conflicts, and wars, and how they strive to maintain peace and security in our ever-changing world. 🛡🔒🌐

[@neimi_ramg]

10:07 Do not lie, most of those countries does not believe in freedom of speech, those governments are even traitors to that value, MILITAR PROPAGANDA!

[@dkrawk8309]

Handle crisis that they caused to themselves and the rest of the world?

[@realnapster1522]

NATO caused this war and acting like they have nothing to do with it. Nato is offensive. Not defensive.

[@TonyM540]

It would be great if ALL European countries could participate in this preparation also incorporating reserve and territorial troops. Europe must train hard in order not to fight.

[@SammeLagom]

Very interesting documentary thanks guys for making this! Military tactics and technology is fascinating.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@adammarshall6257]

So happy to see all the countries stepping up to protect the security of others.

[@MrMSalexanderMK]

nothing for Iraq

[@LoveMyPeople04]

@@MrMSalexanderMK nah, ask Finland how they liked the Russians, Iraq yeah, they probably should’ve have instigated.. Afghanistan, a bunch off COWARDS. They should have fought for their damn selves..why should American blood be spill for a population who doesn’t want to fight for their own freedom? Nah homie, your statement is Irrelevant. Just remember, we too have nuclear weapons…and ours is much much much more powerful

[@alexfreimanis22]

​@@MrMSalexanderMK We got nothing to do with Iraq... They are not our people

[@shauneason5897]

European unity a rare and beautiful thing

[@alexfreimanis22]

And so it should be

[@vytczka]

We are very thankful in Lithuania to all the allies. And glad to see Germany stepping up it's leadership in the security architecture. Unfortunately, the bane of RU imperialism won't be going away soon.

[@lampegutt123]

What are you talking about? The Russian SSR completely willingly moved their red army back to the Russian borders and let every Warsaw-pact member have their own flag and independence. All Russia asked of NATO and the US was, that these new countries remained militarily neutral. This was a guarantee and promise made by the Americans (hundreds of memos and transcripts). I can GUARANTEE, that if NATO had not expanded beyond a united Germany, like the agreement actually was, I don’t even think Putin would be the supreme leader of Russia even. To have almost every nation in Europe within an EXTREMELY anti-Russian military alliance and this alliance seems to be getting closer and closer. You’re stupid if you can’t understand where Russia is coming from

[@elvenkind6072]

Blessings from Norway. When Sweden joins NATO, the Baltic sea will belong to NATO. After Finland joined Russia is also vulnerable in the White Sea. I guess they'll only have Vladivostok left, to safely head out in ships.

[@timlinator]

@@elvenkind6072 Ally Japan is right there and the US has many bases in Japan and South Korea.

[@jerzy56]

Respect to Poland ,UK , Germany, France ,Spain ,Italy and many more to support Ukraine, for Freedom

[@m42037]

And Americans

[@SamPashmi]

@@m42037 most definitely ❤

[@MmmM-uo6ti]

KARMA in coming to Europe for Iraq Libya Syria Yaman Afghanistan and PALESTINE people!!!

[@derekd1510]

@@MmmM-uo6ti Lol...imagine an arab talking about karma...lol.

[@snowsnow4231]

@@MmmM-uo6ti Ukraine participated in Iraq invasion, this is 100% karma

[@8vI]

Much love from the United States to Deutschland!

[@jansix4287]

Thanks for voting Biden. 🇩🇪🤝🇺🇸

[@elvenkind6072]

@@jansix4287

[@AA-vr8ez]

@@jansix4287 Thank you for voting for Olaf Scholz. The biggest danger facing the western world is not from without, but from within. Radical Right Wing extremism must be defeated at the ballot box, lest we go the way of Hungary, or other downward spiraling nations. USA

[@MORE_BEANS_PLZ]

​@@elvenkind6072 he only wanted nato allies to do more 🤔

[@America_bombsTSMC]

love you and blasted your NS.

[@emmanueldangan6692]

What is the Important of NATO?????

[@FreedomEveryWay]

Cool, all these countries working together.

[@gordonspicer]

if only. Can you really imagine in your wildest dreams the likes of Albania, Greek, Cypriot, Spanish, Portuguese forces rushing up north in nice organised convoys to relieve the Baltic States when the SWALKI gap will have been already firmly closed? A bit like the good old grand Duke of York all iover again !

[@RandySnarsh]

@@gordonspicer What?

[@gordonspicer]

@@RandySnarsh oh I forgot some have limited knowledge of this tricky subject.

[@SpecialMuppetOperation]

​@@gordonspicer While some have extensive knowledge of distilled potatoes. 👉🐻

[@dpelpal]

@@gordonspicer American F35's would _obliterate_ any russian force the very second it set foot on any Baltic state. Russia hardly even has a military left, and they won't rebuild it to a form that could even approach NATO for 50 years, no matter what they do.

[@torchbearer3784]

War. The insanity never ends.

[@friendoftellus5741]

Thank you very much for this excellent analysis of the Ukraine war !!! Without doubt one of the very best !!! 😊

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@ksidnfurnekaoajdbdjfkn]

This documentary sheds light on the critical situation on NATO's eastern flank amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This film offers an exclusive and insightful view into NATO's vital efforts to counter a real military threat on the Russian border, ensuring regional stability and security.Thank you

[@peterneyndorff9452]

Great reporting….👍❤️🏆🙏

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching!

[@m42037]

@@DWDocumentary Bitte

[@peterneyndorff9452]

@roberto lang keep watching your Russian channel….FSB is watching you….better agree with the lying propaganda they spread 😡🤮

[@lukemurray4950]

@@DWDocumentary "Western values like freedom of speech and freedom of thought" no you can't use that anymore because you have taken these freedoms away from us! You will have to get someone else to fight your wars!

[@TomNook.]

20:00 Cpt. MacMillan: "The word stealth doesn't mean anything to you does it?"

[@csmiller5221]

On one hand, I find solace in the fact that Germany, the Baltic States, and Poland are at peace and cooperating with eachother. On the other hand, loose lips sink ships.

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

You don't really know much about history (of this region) do you? Baltic States and Poland have never been in war with each other. Livonian Order was a Common Wealth at some point. Specifically Estonians have never been in conflict with Polish. Because of ww2. You can call Finland,Estonia,Latvia,Lithuania and Poland all 'bloodbrothers' basicly. There's nothing more dangerous than different groups of people having common enemy. We all know what Russians are , the more west you go, they always have "pink glasses" view of how great people russians are.. they clearly havent ever met them or had to live amongst them, under them etc... specially when ur living 1000 years next to these degenerates

[@realnapster1522]

Wait till Poland annexes parts of Ukraine 😅

[@vernondjoe]

Deterrence is important. No information here is out of public knowledge.

[@algijura]

@@realnapster1522 that would be most stupid step poland done and the last

[@scott3017]

The Boxer is not a tank. It's an Infantry Fighting Vehicle. For comparison, the Leopard 2 is a tank. Stop calling the Boxer a tank. It doesn't reflect well on DW.

[@GeoPoliticsCommentry]

Now the effort on the Ukrainian side has run out of everything, including hope.

[@mark10601]

I used to be worried about Russia invading the Baltics, but seeing their performance in Ukraine I’m no longer worried, they do not have the capability to take the Baltics.

[@michaelpetrovich5353]

😂. Keep beliving that

[@thegreatdane3627]

@@michaelpetrovich5353 we have all seen how useless the russian army is.

[@csmiller5221]

It's the havoc the Russians wreak on other countries that is the problem. Putin has backed himself into a corner. Apparently, none of his subordinates had the guts to tell him the truth that Ukraine is a sovereign country. Correct me if I am misinformed, but Ukraine as a country existed and was functioning centuries before the Russians formed a country.

[@tyguy6296]

im not a russia supporter, but this is a naïve outlook that has been implanted through propaganda. If russia was actually as low threat as the news would have us believe, then there would be no massive push to build military forces across the EU. Finland and sweden would not want to join NATO through the express lane. The US would not be crossing red line after red line with the equipment they are sending. I don't understand how someone can watch a single military action between independent states change the entire geopolitical landscape and push the world to the edge of WW3, and then think "haha they are not a threat"

[@kampfmuffin3535]

@@michaelpetrovich5353 Keep Coping Orc

[@dlewis8405]

I watched a video around 2017 about these maneuvers in Lithuania and I remember thinking that these soldiers would be mowed down by the Russians if a war broke out. Now we know how incompetent the Russian army is. They won’t dare attack the Baltic states, especially with Finland in NATO.

[@Worldaffairslover]

If they weren’t in Nato they would’ve been ran over. They don’t have combat experience like the Ukrainians do. Their countries are also very small

[@Berlynic]

We, in the Bsltic states, have always known how incompetent they are. All they have is cruelty. And when there's a hord of cruel sadists coming, THAT is scary to the civilians.

[@dlewis8405]

@@Berlynic Haha the danger before the 2022 Ukraine invasion is that the Russians themselves did not know how incompetent they were compared to NATO forces. I think they are feeling less confident now.

[@gordonspicer]

Most doubtful with Finland's extensive vulnerable frontier with Russia if they could really spare any surplus troops for Baltic duties. Then there would be the problem of transporting them. I repeat the problem is IF the Swalki Gap is closed. What can or should NATO do ???

[@darwel007]

You got faked out by the media. Russia is strong but not interested in expansion.

[@lauremathilde9363]

We won't allow our leaders to not protect Baltics. Europe is united on this. Nato is very clear about it.

[@artursbondars7789]

Correction: Baltic countries was unwilling part of Soviet Union. We where brutally occupied and regained our independence in 90ties, not gained! Details and facts are important, when speaking about sensitive topics of history!

[@myplane150]

It's not really a big deal but you'd think by now that news narrators would know the difference between tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles (2:30)...☺ Especially since she had just called it an AFV.

[@gawkthimm6030]

I think its a symptom of different writers for different parts of the program. Maybe some parts where checked over by technical advisors beforehand, but other parts were written and recorded before a vid clip was found

[@arbaz79]

Great Documentary 👍.

[@timlinator]

Greetings from America. Full support for NATO.

[@DUBSTEP_KUSH305]

Stop waring WORLDWIDE!! Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦❤❤🇯🇲.

[@thegoldenwolf3737]

Glory to RUSSIAN FEDERATION

[@leeholmes9962]

Massive respect to all men and women in the NATO forces that are keeping us all safe i wish yous all well and hope yous have nothing but positive out comes for the rest of your LIFE'S 👍🇬🇧✌

[@dan9002]

A very good documentary.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching!

[@albeca7591]

Vicky Nuland says thanks

[@josiahcharlemagne4961]

No body win the war , we need to push for peace

[@ryanturner5649]

The only way for there to be peace is for Russian Federation to leave Ukraine. Otherwise there won't be peace.

[@tomas6224]

if you want peace - prepare for war.

[@ryanturner5649]

@@jordan3405 yeah fake results under Russian Gun point. No one recognizes those sham results. Only stupid orcs believe Russia.

[@tomas6224]

@@jordan3405 Belgorod citizens voted for separation from ruzzia.

[@hhKJgf1M8a0rzt8hP]

Putin could end this war today if he really wanted, just send his soldiers back home to their families. Peace is impossible until Russia retreats from the internationally recognised borders of sovereign country of Ukraine. Every other "peace" solution would be temporary at best and would last only until russian army regroups. How can you achieve peace with someone who tried to kill your democratically elected president and doesn't recognize you as a separate country and separate people?

[@bowlampar]

Poop-Tin is after non NATO member in Europe while executing his expansion plan, somehow thinking he may be a callous, and also an 'insane dictator' is by no means a wrong conclusion. He definitely understands differences between having a military confrontation with NATO alliance and non NATO member clearly🤔

[@snaileri]

4:22 old map. Finland is part of NATO

[@magesalmanac6424]

Good catch, I suspect this video was finalized in production awhile ago and couldn’t do last minute updates

[@beataplaya]

No such thing as neutrality. But prepare not to be neutralized.

[@samshepperrd]

Every time I scan around by subscribed channels I almost always find timely, informative videos on DW Documentaries. Not a plug. I really appreciate this channel. Good seeing NATO isn't sleeping on the job. Looking forward to the day military alliances like this aren't necessary. 🫰

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! We're glad you like our content.

[@marcusaetius9309]

This “news” organization is right up there with BBC and CNN 😉

[@samshepperrd]

@@marcusaetius9309 well I'm just talking about the documentaries. DW is great for Europe news. BBC great for world news. But I like PBS for US news. DW docs s not necessarily news. It's long form, in depth, unbiased magazine format. I watch it and mostly read Google news for headline stories.

[@jansix4287]

@@samshepperrd PBS is amazing! I learned so much from watching 'The Putin Files'. 🥹

[@SURENDRAKUMAR-si3fi]

I'm proud of that woman. One thing she said is very important "If you have knowledge you can do everything. " 👮‍♀️👷‍♀️🕵‍♀️👩‍🏫👩‍🏭👩‍💼👩‍🌾👩‍🔬👩‍🚒👩‍🔧

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

except carry a 85kg+ wounded soldier out of the combat

[@mahmad8528]

simp

[@barbaraseymour3437]

And must go first….

[@krzystofsibilla3516]

So called knowledge is worse than ignorance.

[@YourD3estinY]

​@@Microphunktv-jb3kjLuckily, there are multiple roles in the military that don't necessitate carrying around wounded soldiers. I don't think that is the main job of a First Lieutenant.

[@gooner72]

Marder = IFV. Boxer = APC. Neither of them are tanks, please don't label them as such. Leopard 2 is a tank, they're totally different animals.

[@vickomen333]

Thanks DW.

[@jbatt6088]

She really just said Russia reminded Europeans that the military plays an important role in security lol. They been to busy going Green they forgot Tanks run on Diesel lol

[@lampegutt123]

It’s all NATOs fault. Or rather, the US. There are hundreds of memorandums regarding the 4+2 discussions in 1989 between the UK, France, US, USSR and the two German nations. It was discussions on what a united Germany would look like, and how the security situation in Europe after the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact (and many thought NATO as well.. But no! The Warsaw Pact dissolved, and every Russian soldier went back to the 18th century borders. Russia willingly and permanently de-militarised the entire “iron curtain” but America since then, has only made it clear that it doesn’t care when Russia tells the US not to expand eastwards as it creates unnecessary tension and since NATO refused to accept Russia as a member or even a European nation that should not have it very legitimate and easily avoidable situations. This is just propaganda. Finland was not in NATO until this year. Yet they’ve always had “freedom” and democracy. Are you people just brain damaged? Honestly? If NATO and Russia actually think the other side is trying to commit a preemptive attack, any town in the Baltics bigger than 1,000 inhabitants will be annihilated with nuclear weapons. So this idiotic grandstanding against Russia instead of having some productive dialogue and listen to what Russia demands of us in NATO so Russia doesn’t feel it’s under imminent nuclear threat. Russia doesn’t have a SINGLE NUCLEAR WARHEAD outside its own borders. The US ha hundreds on standby just in Europe. If you actually try to be neutral m and just research Russias concerns and all of Putins warnings long before 2014.

[@kebabozaurus]

say that to Russian nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus. but I suspect Belarus is gonna be in Russian borders anyway given current state of affairs. :)

[@lampegutt123]

@@kebabozaurus bro why is NATO hellbent on Ukraine joining, when the whole reason Putin (insanely of course) decided to INVADE Ukraine just to stop that exact plan, seems like an extreme wish for ww3. I respect the Ukrainian people and their commitment to defending their country, but we’re not having WW3 just to protect Ukrainian 100% independence and sovereignty when this all could have been easily avoided by not stomping on Russia when they were at their most vulnerable.

[@JML6988]

Good to see these NATO young people defending our collective freedom.

[@nezuminezuminezumi7266]

Resist? You caused this.

[@annehersey9895]

Those Ghillie suits make the men look like 'pictures' and movies I've seen of Sasquatch. I wonder if the people that saw Sasquach didn't really see a hunter wearing a Ghillie suit?

[@jameswambede4524]

NATO exists to solve problems that are created by NATO itself. There were opportunities to prevent the Ukraine war through the Minsk Agreement. There was also another opportunity to end the war under the mediation of Turkey. Germany and the rest of Europe need to gain political independence from the grip of the war-mongering hawks or neo-cons.

[@mohamedtarawally3939]

Sure enough

[@tdrm]

War between the Baltics and Russia predates NATO. These problems aren't new.

[@camiro66]

War mongering hawks.. like Russia? We do, no worries

[@Stolencamaro]

Everyone seems to forget who Germany really is what they did … puking 🤢

[@fgadenz]

Maria and Vanessa are badasses combatants! Thanks DW for once more producing and delivering a great piece of informative journalism!

[@annehersey9895]

Don't forget Sandra. I love seeing women in combat and leadership roles. It was only a short time ago when they were only nurses or clerks far from the battlefield!

[@perseusarkouda]

@@annehersey9895 For thousand of years. Now we woke.

[@khuongdzuynguyen6762]

Finland is missing from the map

[@johnashleyhalls]

-5C is cold and done for the day. I really hope that is a security approach from political tacticians. 1/4 to 1/3 of my unit was awake in two hours shifts all though the night and all through the Canadian prairie winter. Perhaps it would be more useful to let any opponent know there is no sneaking up on NATO.

[@Laurynas_LTU]

Danke (ačiū) for this report on eFP in LT. Lithuanians are very happy to see our allies training here. As our commander of armed forces said, we'd like to have even more NATO boots on this Eastern NATO border.

[@ericclausen6772]

We were always throttled up on alerts in Germany

[@Joey-ct8bm]

-NATO has a 1.2 trillion dollar army and Russia has a 80 billion dollar army. -NATO has 954 million people and Russia has 147 million people. -NATO has a $32.4 trillion GDP and Russia has a 1.77 trillion GDP. -NATO has bases surrounding Russia. -NATO has more advanced weapons in almost every category.

[@targe4070]

And they cant win against Russia? Sound like a corruption scheme right there? 💪🤣🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱

[@darth_nihilus_]

@@targe4070 Is NATO at war with Russia?

[@vlagun2416]

Yet no one does want to fight that war.

[@connorboyd6092]

Just wish Australia would take the current situation as serious like our other allies we are behind in a major way

[@quannahfield1108]

In Australia’s defense, they were one of the first country to send vehicles. Bushmasters.

[@connorboyd6092]

@@quannahfield1108 true true just domestically our security is not talked about enough

[@Gizziiusa]

@@connorboyd6092 USA got yer back. just like vs Japan back in the day...

[@gordonspicer]

They have ordered nuclear subs from Us, but won't arrive for a few years. I don't think the country is taking the Sino threat seriously enough.

[@connorboyd6092]

@@gordonspicer yea they did but they have to be built i personally reakon we should have bought ones that were already built and at operational level if thats possible but not sure im no sub expert

[@livethefuture2492]

Germany's military readiness is a joke compared to their massive budget. Their inefficiencies and beurcracy is infamous among NATO circles. Countries like poland do a far better job with far less budget. In a real war its going to be the smaller eastern european countries that are going to do the heavy lifting here. Germany likely wont even have enough oil to fill its tanks 😂 (much like in ww2).

[@LiborTinka]

And people ask why I am not having kids... well - don't you fu**** see what happens in the world ?? It's enough that I live in fear and anxiety for all my life, it's getting worse every year, I am amazed I haven't got ill for psychosomatic reasons - it makes sense I don't want to make it worse for more people...

[@Seneditiz]

I am also amazed people around me getting married, making children. INTO THIS?! Freaking madness. And they say; "we don't care about that, we living our nice life". Wow. I wonder what will happen when their apartment will be bombed down. Jesus christ, people...

[@cyberfunk3793]

There has been wars on this planet as long as humans have been here and also there has been lots of baby making going on so those things don't seem to be mutually exclusive to most people.

[@DM_Laf]

Only rich corporations profit from wars. People need to educate themselves. Mainstream media really don't help with this, of course they don't, they are working for those same cooperations! In his 1956 book The Power Elite, sociologist C. Wright Mills stated that together with the military and political establishment, leaders of the biggest corporations form a "power elite", which is in control of the U.S pretending neutrality to maintain order, but serving the interests of the rich

[@fuzzyspackage]

it's a shame, hot guy like you. hopefully still, if the beds rocking , dont come knockin 🤣🫣

[@bleachdiet559]

@@cyberfunk3793 Except for Norway and Sweden, only men get drafted. People who are free to leave their country in times of war don't need to worry about wars

[@danoreal1970]

STAND TALL & STRONG AGAINST TYRANNY! STAND UP, STAND TOGETHER FOR YOUR FAMILY, YOUR NATION & FOR THE WORLD!!

[@Youllpayforthat]

@Paul Appleby 🤡

[@danoreal1970]

@@YoullpayforthatWARMONGER, MAD VLAD PUTIN INVADED CRIMEA & UKRAINE 🇺🇦. NATO INVADED?? NO ONE!

[@Mahbu]

Ukraine really has been a major wakeup call for the world. Like, yeah, war can still happen in Europe. War between near peer superpowers can happen. It's not just "brown people" in some far off, "poor people" place. Things like "globalism" and international trade (and capitalism) aren't enough to stave off conflict because, as it turns out not everyone values the same things or puts the same emphasis on economy as other nations.

[@BrownBombero7]

18:20 re-gained, not gained If Denmark didn't get independence at the end of the nazi occupation in 1945 but regained it, then the Baltic states also regained their independence at the end of the communist occupation

[@America_bombsTSMC]

who will attack NATO, name it. who will sell arms via NATO? who is the boss of NATO?

[@dark_dante2663]

I never knew how much military might the German armed forces have. I learned alot off this viddo. Keep them coming, I subsribed to this channel

[@funkmachine9094]

you've never heard of world war 2? lol

[@tormundgaint1022]

The Germans can be a superpower in 5 years if they want. You must be living under a rock 🪨.

[@BobQuigley]

Last I checked Germans slaughtered 27 million Russians in WW2 and 1.4 million in WW1. Russia literally saved the world yet the warmongering west led by the most violent nation on earth immediately started the cold war. Zero negotiations diplomacy statesmanship pragmatism. US blood lust knows no boundaries.

[@thebadstation8416]

​@Funk Machine909 Well weren't they demilitarized after that? But then again Nato probably pushed them to build up against russia.

[@TheCurlsCrazy]

read up to the Bundeswehr during the Cold war. That was one hell of a fighting force

[@realhawaii5o]

8:00 he says "with Main Battle Tanks". Captions are not correct. In fact, the captions only confuse.

[@memetharmophis2036]

It's impressive that Russia can hold the war with NATO for this long.

[@americayeagermeister]

Russia's military wouldn't exist if they had gone to war with NATO

[@thegoldenwolf3737]

Its not only impressive but Russia will destroy Usa

[@aliancemd]

Driving 1200km is not exactly “speedy deployment”. Rail would be faster, less costly and less error prone

[@swanky_yuropean7514]

It would not be faster. The baltic states use a different rail network as the rest of Europe. You would have to unload all vehicles at the Polish-Lithuanian border and load it again to different trains.

[@porecemusnox8805]

... and more vulnerable.

[@gordonspicer]

Rail is still very vulnerable. Russians have always had plans to cut/seize or destroy tracks by special troops or from air (now add drones)

[@aliancemd]

@@swanky_yuropean7514 Even with different rails, it's probably faster than constantly fueling lots of slow military vehicles for 1200km. But my issue is that they don't have the same rails, not that they didn't use the current rail system.

[@gordonspicer]

@@aliancemd Very valid. I did not know this. Wonder they have not changed their tracks by now? Transporting just an armored divsion in wartime is fraught with difficulties & risks. We have examples of Arnhem & the Das Reich division loving to Normany June 1944

[@pinkkennedy1615]

Great to see collective West defeated by a relatively small private Army .

[@gooner72]

Ahhhhhh......... those fantastic 2 words after a prolonged period in the field...... "End Ex!!"

[@prasantkumar7254]

Just few glorified german servants from US military base in Germany are moving in a convoy and dw decided to make a documentary over it...hilarious 😅😅

[@kassidyfelix4108]

Without NATO Germany will still be one country you don't mess with 💪

[@madrooky1398]

As a German i am proud of the boys and girls serving and what they are capable of, but i would not say Germany would be strong without its allies. Germany's best assets are Land forces today, but it really lacks in air force and navy, which limits the range of capabilities drastically. Without even the small neighbors like the Netherlands for example Germany would not stand long against a serous enemy. And not to forget that nowadays many defense projects a build on a European basis mostly between France, Britain, Italy and Germany, makes us depend on each other. But its a beautiful thing because we are very unlikely to ever fight each other again and together we are stronger than the numbers might suggest. If i would have to set my money on one European country that could survive a war alone it would be France without a doubt.

[@kassidyfelix4108]

@@madrooky1398 I respect the way you enlightened me very much 🙏 true talking

[@vlagun2416]

@@madrooky1398 I agree with you. That's exactly why we need the EU. After the UN it was one of the most important organizations built after WW2. Born 1995, therefore within the EU, I can't imagine we ever fought a war against (now) neighboring EU allies.

[@ishkel]

After dramatic failure in Ukraine, NATO needs documentary to advertise its existence...

[@Привид_Бандери]

Jesus christ ppl, it's just "Ukraine" NOT "THE UKRAINE" Educate yourself.

[@Nicosgalanis]

Long live bundeswehr und Deutschland! With love from Stockholm/Sweden 🇩🇪🇸🇪

[@heikos4264]

lets keep working together and live and enjoy Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit 🤝 -something russians can only dream of at the moment.

[@sidecar7714]

NATO has learned that Russia is a paper tiger. Nobody is sweating these losers.

[@RickTheMaverick256]

This a true attestation to the commitment of NATO member states in upholding article 5. The Baltics owing to their small geographical size and population have always been viewed as a soft underbelly for Russia to exploit in re-establishing it's nostalgic imperial soviet empire. It is important that Germany retrieves the Kaliningrad exclave to sniff out the Russian threat for good because after all it was Köninsberg under the prussian empire. This is the ultimate security guarantee for the baltics.

[@RandomGuy9]

No one in Germany ever even considered taking Kaliningrad back. If at all it would be independent. There are no Germans anymore, only Russians. How would you integrate it into Germany?

[@fredmidtgaard5487]

Interesting! The WW2 German forces also used 2 sniper teams! It was better than the UK/US one-man teams.

[@theadventuresofnekosnowbal7285]

A big thank you to these brave men for defending NATO's Eastern flank against any potential aggressor.

[@calmdownleo11]

Just men?

[@dkrawk8309]

Defending from what?

[@theadventuresofnekosnowbal7285]

@@dkrawk8309 I don't know. Maybe from a potential incursion from a warmongering imperialist power in decline.

[@dkrawk8309]

@The Adventures of Neko, Snowball and Stella you should defend yourself from schizophrenia. Kindly stop spreading your hallucinations

[@theadventuresofnekosnowbal7285]

@@dkrawk8309 Ok dear troll.

[@kairanzehra._]

I am interested in voiceover @DW Documentaries

[@michalipiperakis9380]

I respect so much that the female soldier in the German armored division said that she's felt no discrimination because of her gender/sex. It's a very rare thing in armies and many societies unfortunately, and I respect Germany and their people soo much for that! GO NATO Slava Ukraini !!!! Go EU!!

[@dan9002]

Respect is earned not appointed, especially in cases of leadership where lives are on the line. There is no substitute.

[@antongavutti4376]

We are READY for History Repeat Again!!!

[@imerupp]

Thank you DW, thank you Germany! God bless all of you, please stay safe!

[@sirvivor732]

God has nothing to do with this, God is love. It is the Devil's work. Kneel to the king.

[@airis3333]

⁠@@sirvivor732 its the ruzzkies who kneel to a KGB spy in power forever 😀😀. If thats what you like Chiliabinsk is a great place 😀😀

[@johnnysteradactyl558]

Right back at you.

[@GOPANNGG]

GERMANINA IS ABSOLUTE LOVE

[@gordonspicer]

there was to day released a quite pessimistic article in the Economist on Nato's ability to defend its designated territory. Frankly it seems kit is only the Fins who have really appreciated the risks and have really trained for war. However it has a huge frontier to defend. The aricle claims that despite Russia's current poor performance they have gained much experience and learnt valuable lessons. it goes on to say they could be in a position to challenge Nato within 3 to 5 years !

[@joeyex2684]

This war reminds me about how Tasmanian Dalmatians hate Romanian Alsatians and Romanian Alsatians hate Tasmanian damnations but antiquarian Bulgarians love planetariums and aquariums and Romanians and Lithuanians and Tasmanians all love geraniums.😂

[@hansweissmann_xviii6754]

Is the LGBTIQ_PCBS community equally represented in that NATO force? In not, why not?!

[@ak5659]

Let's hope that this war puts an end to the idea that Poland & the Baltics are 'hysterical' (among other terms) regarding sounding the alarm about Russian agression.

[@artursbondars7789]

It's long past discussions and talks, only firm acctions matter! If one discuss matters to long, they may be caught unprepared.

[@EEX97623]

No negotiating with Putin and his terror regime, they all have plans on a neo-fascist Eurasian ethnostate, the lunatics have all announced their intentions and threats - it's all documented. The current dictatorship in Kremlin will be ended for freedom in Europe.

[@svennielsen633]

This was very much focused on German support and only in Lithuania. Living in Estonia I had expected to hear about NATO co-operation here and in Latvia too.

[@realhawaii5o]

Exactly this, to be honest. I'm Portuguese and living in Estonia and I know the UK, Denmark, Spain, Portugal have troops in the Baltic States because I've seen them, so I wanted to know more about this...

[@EEX97623]

NATO troops are in Estonia 100%

[@LackofFaithify]

Meh, this is just the group some desk jockey gave the ok for the film crew to bug the entire trip.

[@kerstas10]

Well DW is german programme. So no wonder they are more focused, about what German troops are doing

[@algijura]

For Germany Prussia and Lithuania old old old deep deep deep Love. they are attracted to this countries like bees 🐝 to the nectar…

[@christopheramagouro7415]

Those whom compares Russian and Ukrainians war .that if the wars break out between Europe and will be the same war is wrong

[@michaelf7093]

Germans: "Lemme get this straight... You want me to raise a large army, put it in Poland, and be ready to fight the Russians? Uh, can I get that in writing?"

[@swaq8645]

Thank you Germany ❤️

[@philippvoid1800]

so it begins

[@jsnel9185]

No country stands alone. It's good to have friends, or at least allies. I can think of a few countries who's behavior has made both an impossibility.

[@perrycomeau2627]

The gloves are off concerning Putin

[@mattspare8835]

Worth to mention that Germany actually wanted to keep all its troops at home and planned on only deploying them in an emergency. Good luck making political decisions and actually getting to Lithuania in time. Let's be real here, without Poland - Lithuania would be lost in 2-3 days.

[@gordonspicer]

But surely you noticed the numbers involved are no way sufficient and are just a token force. It's still, as mentioned, just a continuation of the "trip wire" policy and NATO still adamantly refuses to permanently deploy very substantial forces and supplies in the 3 Baltic countries. Maybe their reasoning is simple yet most concerning. There are just not the forces & supplies available, the costs would be enormous and there is no united will.

[@mattspare8835]

@@gordonspicer Agree completely. There are plenty of empty Nato promises building a substantial quick reaction force in the future. Realistically there’s only Finland, hopefully soon Sweden, the Baltic States, Poland and Romania to deter russians, potentially with some UK and US support. Guessing Ukraine will probably end up being part of that group to some extent too. But not the Germans, French etc. Simply a question of different safety concerns and interests, regardless of what is said in front of cameras.

[@Thedrunkenswede1337]

Haha na bot vs russia russia OS a joke. 😂

[@algijura]

in 2-3 days that was at ww2 times.. same as russia mentioned will take Kiev 3 days max. world have changed. lithuania all important changes in military does with zipped mouth. only spitting news which ones they want russia to know.old 12 th century tactics

[@samsungtap4183]

Lithuania that pulled down a statue of Lenin and erected one of...wait for it .... FRANK ZAPPER...looney tunes