Defence Strategy: The Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania & NATO's Eastern Flank

Sponsored by: Private Internet Access: www.piavpn.com/Perun
Designing a military can be hard. Designing a military when your primary adversary is Russia is harder...and doing it with a defence budget that could fit within the scope of a single cost overrun on a Pentagon project is something else entirely.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are commonly referred to as the Baltic States, from 2004 until Finland's accession to the organisation, sat relatively isolated on the Alliance's Eastern flank.
Today, we look at how these states perceive their environment, design their forces to counter the perceived threat - and why they have been some of the strongest advocates in both the EU and NATO for extensive support for Ukraine and a decisive defeat for the Russian Federation..
Patreon:
/ perunau
Caveats, Comments and Corrections:
All normal caveats and disclaimers apply
In particular - I would like to note as always that this material has been created for entertainment purposes and is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive examination of the topic in question and should not be relied upon to inform financial or other similar decisions.
At one point I quote a source saying Estonia has 56 howitzers, the correct total of 18 and 36 is 54
Readings and Sources (incomplete, to be filled out):
Unless otherwise noted, platform and personnel figures are usually as per Military Balance 2024
Reference for corruption perception index data is transparency international, e.g.:
www.transparency.org/en/count...
The State Defence Concept of Latvia 2023
www.mod.gov.lv/sites/mod/file...
Estonia Defence Forces Annual Report 2022
issuu.com/sodur/docs/annual_r...
Estonian Ministry of Defence - Setting Transatlantic Defence up for Success: A military strategy for Ukraine's Victory and Russia's Defeat
kaitseministeerium.ee/sites/d...
Perun - Defence strategy for small nations
• Defence strategy for s...
CRS: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Background and U.S.-Baltic Relations
crsreports.congress.gov/produ...
Shiapak & Johnson - Reinforcing Deterrence on NATO's Eastern Flank
Wargaming the Defense of the Baltics
www.rand.org/pubs/research_re...
Jonathan Masters - How NATO will change if Finland and Sweden become members
www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-nato...
Reporting on Lithuania's defence spending plans
www.reuters.com/world/europe/...
Estonia's foreign minister warns the Baltics have 3-4 years to prepare for a Russian test of NATO
apnews.com/article/poland-est...
NATO navies hold Baltic Sea exercise
www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/ne...
Henri Vanhanen - NATO and Northern Europe: No Longer the Forgotten Flank
carnegieendowment.org/2023/12...
Featured Reuters report on Baltics seeking more NATO presence
www.reuters.com/world/europe/...
Featured report on Danish artillery donations
kyivindependent.com/denmark-t...
Reporting on Estonian artillery donations
www.thedefensepost.com/2023/0...
www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russi...
Baltic and Polish leaders visiting Ukraine April 2022
www.reuters.com/article/uk-uk...
www.president.pl/news/preside...
Source of image used for slide on Estonia's concerns about protracted Russian occupation
swarajyamag.com/world/estonia...
Featured article on Czech-led ammunition supply efforts
www.defensenews.com/global/eu...
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Opening Words
00:00:58 - What Am I Talking About?
00:03:22 - History
00:13:57 - Strategic Position
00:20:06 - Perceived Threats & Objectives
00:34:10 - Armed Forces & Approach
00:43:14 - Collective Defence
00:54:33 - Finland & Closing The Door On The Baltic Option
00:58:25 - The Baltic States And Ukraine
01:04:19 - Channel Update

[@PerunAU]

Sponsored by Private Internet Access, Use the following link to access their promotional offer: www.piavpn.com/Perun Hope you enjoy the next entry in my national defence strategy series. I ultimately decided that because the challenges faced by the Baltic States are so similar, and their policies on issues like Ukraine tend to be so similar, it made sense to address them together. I need to flag that there are still obviously significant differences between each of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania, but for a one hour discussion, I hope you enjoy and understand the way this has been packaged.

[@heetheet75]

Thank you for talking about this. Great video. The Baltics will never be under or c control again.

[@EeeEee-bm5gx]

How interesting. Now I finally find out my country's defence strategy. I hope though that my suspicions are not correct. Ok. They're correct but I feel tiny bit better.

[@pieterfaes6263]

57:25 As someone from a NATO country, I'm happy to welcome NATO into NATO. Errata aside; Given the shown defense planning of the Baltics and the practicals on the battlefield in Ukraine, what kind of alterations to the former do you think might happen/would be beneficial? Perhaps (small) expenditures to EW or drone capabilities?

[@John_Smith_86]

Hmm. I wonder if it makes sense for these 3 baltic states to just form a federal Union outright. They have common interests, they seem friendly enough to each other. Why not merge and then consolidate their logistics and high command? Domestic policies can still be done on a provincal level, without interference from the new federal government. The federal government will primarily handle military and foreign policies

[@adam-k]

I would add one more thing. EU on itself is also a defense packt. While it delegate lots of organization, command and control to NATO. EU members would be obligated to help any EU nation if attacked. An attack on the Baltic states would be an attack on the EU. It is one reason why Russia opposed the idea Ukraine joining the EU.

[@domruck4815]

"Tell the poles to stop celebrating the fact they're about to fight the russians" that sentence is ... perfect

[@simonrodehn8678]

Wonderful line.

[@simonrodehn8678]

Anyone who believes in permitting oppression to carry the day is sadly not on the side of freedom.

[@user-nm6sp1eg5o]

I AM from Poland and i call this sentence pure Bullshit. No one in Poland will celebrate that there is war. No one more than Poland know what war is and how IT looks.

[@preppen78]

I wonder what the Russian response would be to losing Kaliningrad, in the event of a Russian attack against a NATO member?

[@jeckjeck3119]

@@preppen78 Something along the lines of ''WHAA, WHAA, WHAAAAAAAAA!''

[@JoeyCarb]

We had a Lithuanian officer attached to our platoon in Afghanistan. We weren't doing anything high speed, just patrols, check points, and pulling security. But he did every job, no matter how boring or mundane, and never cared about rank. He spent a lot of his six weeks with us in my squad and was always on top of his game. His job in Lithuania was the equivalent of a JTAC or TACP. His English was really good and by the end he was calling in all our air and fire support. He talked a lot about home and his country's fight for independence. His mom sent him pictures of her holding him as an infant at a rally during the fall of the Soviet Union to show his new American friends. He was so proud of those. He had family members who had died in WW2. I never heard him get angry or say a bad thing about anyone, unless he was talking about Nazis or Russians. I reconnected with him on Facebook years after I got out. He had gone reservist and worked in cyber security and was married to an absolute knockout. If the average Lithuanian soldier is half as squared away as he was, any of those countries to the east who may want to conduct some special military operations in the Baltics are in for a rude awakening.

[@nikolaideianov5092]

​@@lonpfrbthe balkans are more likely to fight them selfs Source im from the balkans The baltic on the other hand

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

You will be hard pressed to find baltic people who didnt have family that died in the war considering 1/8 of us died.

[@nickcharles1284]

If 5 exceptional Luthianian infantry squared off against 500 regular Russian infantry, who would win? The answer is in the question.

[@JoeyCarb]

@@lonpfrb good catch, thanks!

[@nikolaideianov5092]

@@nickcharles1284 well these 500 russian infantry wouldnt have rifles by the start becose they would have sold them

[@raymondjacobs1955]

As an American I just want to state how much I overwhelmingly appreciate Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as friends and allies.

[@JB-pu8ik]

They're not only stuck on the pointy end of NATO; they, along with our other Eastern flank allies, have simultaneously been the balls, the heart, and the conscience of our alliance for 10+ years now.

[@PersonManManManMan]

Thank you so much

[@raulolen3991]

Thank you so much🇪🇪🇺🇸

[@GreatRetro]

Oh, MAN. I can't stress this enough, how we overwhelmingly appreciate USA!

[@karlstathakis7786]

As another American - couldn’t agree more. Baltic states rock.

[@rohesilmnelohe]

Estonian here. Few things i need to point out. 1. Those treaties were unconditional soviet surrenders 2. They were hard fought against the reds and the germans. Especially In Latvia where we used naval assets and armored trains to liberate Riga and helped Latvians to achieve the upper hand. 3. They were so successful because we innovated and adapted alot. We mastered the use of armored assaults and maneuver warfare using armored trains and naval landings. And none of it would have happened if the Royal Navy wouldn't have protected our coasts in the beginning and helped us commandeer soviet destroyers. Something Admiral Cowan was told not to do. And we can never forget the thousands of Finnish volunteers who came to help us too.

[@gagamba9198]

You know stuff. Well done.

[@danielmartin7838]

There is just something mythical about an armored train. Like a mammoth or something?

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

You could do naval landings because the British Royal navy handed over all caputed red ships to you. Also you forces refused to go further south than Daugavas northern shore leading to the danish liberating Jēkabili. And yes, somi help you, you help us, we help lietuviešiem and everyones better off.

[@traumvonhaiti]

History does not know "ifs" and "would haves". Otherwise, why not talk about how let Adolf Hitler into power? And "if" someone "would've" acted differently, there "would have" not been WW2 at all.

[@user-sc7fk5ys6x]

@@traumvonhaiti Yeah just let the kid have that art school scholarship, right? 😮

[@eineperson9849]

The joy I fell by an australian man talking about defence and security economics every sunday in front of a powerpoint is Undescribable

[@KatanamasterV]

Not the same but you might want to check out hypohystericalhistory as well

[@airborneranger-ret]

lol - I think he's a Kiwi :)

[@TheFireGiver]

It's also hard to describe why you listen to hour long powerpoint presentations to other people.

[@dodda]

​@@airborneranger-retlol, his name is PerunAU

[@ascra1693]

​@@airborneranger-ret.. I'm sure he's said he's Australian and has said that he wouldn't do any videos on Australia because of that.. but if he is a kiwi please tell me because I'll unsubcribe immediately

[@doughnutdevourer5667]

“Once Vladimir Putin kicked off his NATO recruitment campaign in earnest” *chefs kiss*

[@rositasultana3958]

Thanks pooty, for your invaluable contribution! Also he was better than drumpf in kicking European big countries into gear for a better defence of our continent.

[@dixztube]

Oh ya were closer to world war three … thanks nato

[@simonschneider5913]

well, but how many battalions does europe actually have? its a long way to go..

[@jeckjeck3119]

@@simonschneider5913 If push comes to full war... NATO has millions of soldiers.

[@simonschneider5913]

@@jeckjeck3119 if the war is fought with keyboards and mouse. yes. otherwise, have you seen or talked to a german soldier lately? i did. they wont fight anything other than their wives, if even that..

[@spacecowboy5274]

For April fools make a video on defence stratergy of vatican city

[@BrBetim]

Heard they have some really good anti-vampire weaponry

[@remakeit2628]

Pope's lawnmowers were an Aussie icon.

[@JB-pu8ik]

A defense strategy featuring SIG rifles and vintage pikes :D.

[@Graatand]

Alternatively, I’d appreciate a video on the defense strategy of Kiribati

[@thelazy0ne]

Actually that's a good idea.

[@JaxxedNesmith]

I once asked a Latvian "what do you call the countries that were a part of the USSR?". The answer was "we don't"

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

My answer would have been "What do you mean?"

[@katocmd]

I think the only correct answer would be "their name"

[@Enyavar1]

@@katocmd Oh yes. There was a time when Europeans called all subsaharan countries "Sudan". Except for "Guinea" and Ni**erland, _I kid you not_ that was a geographic term in the 'age of discovery'. Nigeria got its name from these times. Things aren't perfect now either, but yes: call people by the names they prefer, and try to understand them. Everywhere.

[@changingform250]

​@@Enyavar1Sudan has a similar origin, but from arabic. Using collective terms can be helpful to outsiders, but I'm fairly sure the USA wouldn't want to be defined as one of the former British colonies.

[@MM22966]

@@changingform250Even today, if you go to places like Iraq as a black person, you can get called "Sudani".

[@Peterishd]

As a Latvian Perun fan, I have never clicked on a video faster in my life.

[@adelest9500]

same, as a Lithuanian Perun fan

[@mdjey2]

Could be true, but I am here for comments first. Will listen when cooking my supper later.

[@LD-Orbs]

@@mdjey2 Got your priorities straight!

[@tomreks8990]

Same here man.

[@legouniverse8976]

+

[@mdjey2]

Whoa! 🇱🇻🇱🇹🇪🇪 My Baltic brothers and sisters are you here!?

[@PersonManManManMan]

Yes

[@eriknoorvali]

I'm here

[@mariusrutkaus]

We are here!

[@ojarsozolins7189]

Here

[@archeyburger4722]

Sveiciens no Rīgas ;)

[@mantas1111000]

It's honestly refreshing and heartwarming to hear a foreigner, even from a friendly western nation, do such a retelling of our 20th century history. Thank you, Perun (or Perkūne, the Lithuanian accusative for Thunder, with the same mythological connotations)

[@jumpergamer1913]

Only hearing the opinions on tankies about the former URSS "allied" "independent' states must be very aggravating.

[@user-ul9dv2iv9s]

Are tankies still a thing? I thought that Palestine/Israel was a useful excuse for them to do a runner to get back onto familiar ground.

[@mantas1111000]

@@jumpergamer1913 there are plenty of sensible people around, who understand these issues, mainly what I meant by my comment was that typical youtubers etc rarely put in the effort to tell the history between us and russia accurately.

[@Muljinn]

Tankies are as persistent as cockroaches and about as noxious… actually, I take that back. It’s unfair to the cockroaches; they’re insects and simply living within the bounds of their evolutionary niches. Tankies *choose* to be noxious shitheads.

[@u2beuser714]

​@@jumpergamer1913 According to tankies the USSR civilized them so they should be thankful for it

[@jevgenijsiniov6868]

YESSSSS FINALLY BALTICS Hello from Vilnius 👋🇱🇹

[@doughnutdevourer5667]

I thought the “help” was a typo, then I saw how close Vilnius was to the Belorussian border. This was not a typo, someone get this man help.

[@jaredschroeder7555]

Agreed. An interesting area geopolitically, and not talked about as much.

[@gwky]

​@@doughnutdevourer5667Vilnius is more Polish or Russian than it is Lithuanian. It is what it is.

[@gkulaitis]

​@@gwky Your knowledge is outdated, to put it mildly. It was never russian

[@andre8860]

All Baltic countries will be neutral and out of nato in the end of special military operation

[@Nvwheeler]

“Ask the Poles to stop celebrating they’re going to fight the Russians”😂As a Canadian, I’m pleased to see our deployment in Latvia. NATO is the most important security agreement we have, and need to honour our commitment

[@teresabenson3385]

Especially as the Arctic Ocean becomes navigable, and Putin gets aggressive up there.

[@Whatisthisstupidfinghandle]

Yes. Adding Finland and Sweden to NATO helps with the arctic a lot

[@navb0tactual]

I feel like it's the only reason we're not cutting our defense spending as far as our Politicians want to...

[@stariyczedun]

I love seeing some ripped French-Canadian dudes shopping in Adaži.

[@mrwhips3623]

NATO is evil. Infinite expansion. Infinite wars 🤡

[@doxun7823]

"Stalin doing Stalin things" Is such a wonderfully dark euphemism. It's phrased this way to avoid the youtube demonetizing algorithm, but having that name become a stand in for unspeakable horrors feels just.

[@qZbGmYjS4QusYqv5]

It's shocking how much people on the left in the first world still love good old Uncle Joe

[@doxun7823]

@@qZbGmYjS4QusYqv5 I haven't seen much of that lately. The handful of lefty podcasts and such I listen too generally don't like him at all. The defenses of Stalin I've read seem to be coming from Russian nationalists nowadays.

[@ALLMINDmercenarysupportsystem]

​@@qZbGmYjS4QusYqv5 Am I missing something that would make this relevant?

[@ryuukeisscifiproductions1818]

@@NashVybarplease stop with the conspiracy nonsense. Plenty of channels are able to talk about the crimes of communist regimes without the risk of censorship and demonetization, youtubes algorithms are just run by brain dead bots that censor and demonetize at random. Plenty of lefty's get randomly demonetized and censored even for the most innocuous things, while some literal neo nazi channels can run rampant for years without being touched. The only channels that escape this are the really big ones, like Mr Beats or Pew Die Pie, which proves one inescapable fact that youtube only cares about its largest and wealthiest channels while happily screwing over everyone else.

[@varana]

@@NashVybar Because what you said is a strawman and not true. It's about graphic descriptions of war crimes and other violence, not who is the perpetrator.

[@filipkogut8533]

Respect to the Baltic Countries from Poland 🇵🇱👍🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪

[@guydreamr]

Respect to both the Baltic states and Poland from the US.

[@mariusrutkaus]

Love from Lithuania. Hope you'll keep our back if shit hits the fan.

[@filipkogut8533]

@@mariusrutkaus of course we will. God HONOR Fatherland

[@pflernak]

@@filipkogut8533 Just dont celebrate too long when news about fighting the russians comes

[@filipkogut8533]

@@pflernak the fact that we would celebrate war with Russia is an imagined scenario which sounds very silly. Nobody celebrates war except psychopaths. The war with Russia will for Poland only be the means to keep being an independent country, not something to be exquisite about...

[@gustavl3107]

Everyone should strive be a friend and ally like the Baltics are. They leave nothing to chance, take nothing for granted, and do everything within their power to raise the readiness and commitment of their allies. It's honestly inspiring to see how these three countries have managed the trauma of Soviet occupation. Much love from Sweden!

[@mariusrutkaus]

You guys from Scandinavia helped us a lot in the 90s when we showed our eager intention to align with the west. In lots of small and big ways. And we also looked at your countries, just across the Baltic sea as an example to look at.

[@rogerwilco2]

Indeed. Much love from the Netherlands as well.

[@martavdz4972]

I'm a Baltic Studies expert from Czechia, been working with the Baltics for twenty years but never been able to sum them up as succinctly as you did. "Leave nothing to chance and take nothing for granted" describes them perfectly. It's what I like about them. Czechs are thorough, systematic, hard-working and incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, but their "ability" to leave some things to chance and take some things for granted has been driving me mad since childhood. The Baltics leave some things to chance, too, they simply let some things flow. But they're mostly things they can afford to let flow.

[@seriouslywhatever3234]

As far as i have read my countries history books in school. it isn't trauma from Soviet occupation in case of Latvia. Its actually a on and off 700 year long history of Germany and Russia trying to reduce us to serfdom. With that one glorious moment we were under Swedish occuptation if you can even call it that where our livelihood and future prospects were raised up by schools and fair ruling over. A German wrote our alphabet and kindof started off the written language... However Russians... I have not read a single thing they actually did for us besides abusing us for the industrial revolution in the mid 20s. Giving us the know how for the 21st to some degree.

[@mjfan653]

Meanwhile, as an Estonian, my favourite nation is Czechia! Your way of life seems like a super balance of industrial coolheadedness and also being chill and vibing. I love Karlovy Vary and Prague. They are so photogenic and the people have the best humour ever. Sveijk forever! Ps! When I mean favourite nation, it is of course after Estonia, and our neighbours Finland, Sweden, Latvia. But I love Czechia enough that I visit a lot, and buy your military antiques to bring back. A super nation!

[@kerontherun]

As a ukrainian refugee to Estonia, I'm so hyped for this one!

[@markusa5293]

Hope you're doing well here! 🇺🇦❤️🇪🇪

[@worldwanderer91]

Go back and fight. Why you run and hide?

[@verttikoo2052]

@@worldwanderer91Ukraine doesn’t have enough arms or ammunition to arm all the volunteers plus they don’t have enough training capacity. It is strategically important to get the civilians out from the war zone. Civilians unnecessarily complicates the operations and it is definitely not safe to stay there.

[@kjj26k]

​@@worldwanderer91 They may not be fit to fight, there are many reasons one could be more of a liability on a battlefield then an asset. Or they may not be able to help in the rear. Besides, if they are sending money back home or keeping Poles agitated for Ukraine, then they are doing their part!

[@joedoe7041]

you should becareful about mentioning being an ukrainian. your government is demanding all refugee's be forcefully returned in the EU, Canada and even in Australia.

[@Alan-it5is]

Greetings form Estonia and hello to my Batlic friends and to all NATO 👊

[@PersonManManManMan]

Hello!

[@raulolen3991]

Tere :) Hea näha, et ka mõni eestlane Perunit vaatab

[@kriimdriim]

@@raulolen3991 vaatab, vaatab

[@rutos7]

Hello brothers and sisters from Lithuania ❤

[@jephgalland7324]

@@raulolen3991 Arvan et palju vaatavadki, aga, nad ei avalda seda välja. Iseloomulik tagasihoidlikkus. Eks ole?

[@AngusAbbott-qf8xm]

The Baltic states really don’t want to go back to being seen as “ruZZians” or anything like that, They have been stalwarts in their assistance to Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@heetheet75]

They're not russian in any way shape or form. Different languages and they're not even Slavs, they're Balts.

[@andersjjensen]

I had the good fortune of training Estonian lads for the shit-show in the Balkans back in the mid to late 90s, and later the privilege of fighting along side them. They taught me a very important lesson: The only willing "member" of the Soviet "union" was Russia. The Baltics were more under changing Danish and Swedish rule (with the majority being practical independence under The Crown) post 1500AD than under Russian rule. Culturally and linguistically they are much closer the Nordics than they ever were to Russia. The Nordics, with the Scandics in particular, were very vocal in the UN to get their status as "occupied" upheld precisely to get hard-liner Americans with "the red scare" to stop seeing the USSR as a monolithic block. I swear to god that I will punch people on the nose if they refer to the Balts as "just another kind of Russians". They're our little brothers, and as soon as they got away from their captors they ran their asses off to get back to the Nordics. The whole NB8 Initiative (Nordic Baltic 8 Initiative, you can google it) was formed very rapidly to speed up their ascension to EU and NATO. Even Sweden, who was principally "neutral" entered the mutual security agreements. Banking guarantees were given to help their transition to market economy. Technological exchange programs were set up. The Balts could study in Scandinavia with EU-like privilege long before they became EU members. If you absolutely have to refer to them as anything other than Balts, call them East Scandinavians.

[@martynaskrivaitis1961]

@@andersjjensen east scandinavians and the whole thing with scandis post 1500 might hold some true when talking about estonians, but with Lithuania and Latvia - its just plain wrong, we have a different language, which is actually among oldest live ones, we faught both swedes, mongols and moscovites. Like perun mentioned here - grand dutchy of Lithuania and later Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth was a european powerhouse of the time (it included parts of latvia, but nor estonia). Anyway, thanks for the support, but we (lithunian here) arent scandinavian, not even a bit.

[@andersjjensen]

@@martynaskrivaitis1961 (The vast majority of modern day) Latvia was under Swedish rule from 1629 to 1721. But looking things over, yeah, the Lithuanian governance ties with the Nordics ended after the settlement period in the 800-1200s.

[@martynaskrivaitis1961]

@@andersjjensen ended after settlement period ? What do you mean ?

[@Stevieoggy1992]

💁🏼‍♀️: Why are you always refreshing KZbin? 🤷🏼‍♂️: PowerPoint man is about to upload more defence economics!

[@ArtisZ]

Perun the PowerPoint man!

[@SvdSinner]

Hell yes we want to hear about the Baltic states! These guys have been punching way above their weight class in supporting Ukraine. They might be small, but without them, Ukraine would be in much more dire straits than they currently are.

[@Baby_Noodles]

​@@NashVybarnext.. Putin can kiss my arse next. Greetings. Latvian.

[@ArtisZ]

​@@NashVybarWhy would you think that?

[@goaltokio3941]

@@NashVybarNot if we as an alliance stop the terrorists send by moscow

[@crusijs]

​@@ArtisZvatenu bots tak. :)

[@ArtisZ]

@@crusijs Jā, smird pēc tāda. Man patīk šitos bakstīt. xD

[@jsv8898]

As a Finn, I'm so happy that Finland and Sweden joined NATO. Not only for our security , but also for the security of our brothers and sisters in the Baltics. These countries have done so well economically since they broke away for the USSR, and we need to keep it that way. The accession of Finland and Sweden also further integrates Norway and Denmark into the northern/eastern flank defence. The four of us have a very serious air force that works so well together and will be of huge help if the Baltics are ever invaded. I can tell you that in Finland, we are very motivated to defend ourselves and others against that cancer from the east.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

As an American in Latvia, I'm also happen Sweden and Finland joined because it amplified our security here about 10x.

[@raimis2081]

Thanks in advance :) Greetings from Lithuania.

[@mariusrutkaus]

Thanks from Lithuania! We are really happy that you are on our side.

[@agatastaniak7459]

And here in Poland we are happy that this makes Finnish citizens as you yourself happy. We are glad that both Finland and Sweden joined NATO. In here we do believe we can learn from your experience and tighten our cooperation to the benefit of security of all countries involved. Personally I do agree with you, Finland and Sweden joining most likely matters a lot for the security of the Baltics but I would say for the security of Sweden and Finland as well. At least how it looks like from here.

[@andersjjensen]

As a Dane I'm also very happy that Finland and Sweden joined NATO. Denmark has (for our size) a relatively strong navy and decent enough air force. But our navy isn't configured for troop transport and our airforce can't reach the Baltics without in-air refueling. If push ever comes to shove it will be much easier to help our smaller brethren if we can "land hop" via Sweden.

[@ChetManly2047]

Canadians stand with you our Baltic brothers and Sisters 🇨🇦🇱🇻 🇪🇪 🇱🇹

[@PersonManManManMan]

Thank you for your unwavering support

[@heetheet75]

We appreciate you very much! Need more Canadian troops in the Baltics.

[@raulolen3991]

Thank you so much🇪🇪🇨🇦

[@heckleypanes4988]

Unfortunately your Defense Budget says you are not interested in helping defend them

[@Muljinn]

That’s because our government is led by a brainless coward, propped up by an even bigger imbecile.

[@fuzzed217]

As an Estonian soldier, I am genuinely impressed by your summary. There is some information that can be considered incorrect and outdated, but for a person, who hasn't served in our country's military - I am simply surprised you managed to collect and summarise it quite as neatly as you did.

[@OlOleander]

I had the pleasure of meeting some Estonian NCOs and officers in my home state for training. They were warm, professional, and some of the most professional soldiers I have ever met. I hope to visit in turn one day. They were a credit to their nation and people. Elagu NATO, elagu Eesti

[@mnufeld8448]

We're with you guys there, in the Baltics, as you know,( 'we ' being Nato) and as a Canadian our guys in Latvia , and proud are there helping to hold the line . nd our country could /should be doing (a lot ) more, particularly to spend/reach the 2% mark though I understand assurances have been given or privately ,to meet that, I hope thats the case . in any case glad our guys are there ,and thank you for your service sir ..from, across the pond among your transatlantic allies ,, Respect

[@brokenpotato438]

would you mind writing a comment on some of the stuff he gets wrong?

[@fuzzed217]

@@brokenpotato438 As much as I'd like to correct the mistakes - I am not willing to make information that isn't meant to be publicly accessible to be publicly accessible. For general knowledge, Perun summed it up quite nicely.

[@adishoogendorp4194]

Few things Perun did not mention. 1. Latvia and Estonia has signed a deal of purchasing IRIST medium range air defense systems. 2. All 3 Baltic states have singed deals acquiring HIMARS systems with long range ATACMS munition included. 3. All 3 Baltic states have signed a deal and as for Latvia work has been started to build military infrastructure, defense lines, ammo caches/warehouses, bunkers etc along the border with Russia and Belrus 4. Latvia is planning to build new military base in the south of the country + has signed a deal of acquiring anti-ship missile system “Naval Strike Missile” 5. Given budget allocated to purchase IRIST, building base, and defense lines was not allocated from the defense budget it is likely all 3 Baltic states are already spending more or close to 3% of gdp for defense.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

America is paying for 70% of the costs of all those but yea, technically Baltic countries are buying them....I guess.

[@adishoogendorp4194]

If i am not mistaken US government funding to all 3 Baltic states is ~200m a year which accounts for about 4% of total military spending of 3 countries. Likely less for reasons I already mentioned.@@eustacemcgoodboy9702

[@positroll7870]

​@@eustacemcgoodboy9702Murica is paying the Baltics for GER IRIST or Norwegian NSM?? Or for earthworks??? Bah, humbug. They might help with the cost of HIMARS launchers, but only because they are planning on making the money back by selling them expensive missiles afterwards for decades ...

[@mariusrutkaus]

​@@eustacemcgoodboy9702can you give any source on America paying 70% of those? Or it's just a bullshit you just pulled out of your ass?

[@mdjey2]

@@eustacemcgoodboy9702 What do you mean? Source?

[@invarietateconcordia1988]

'Permanently stationed' brigades mean, that we bring our families with us and build homes. So if the bear stumbles over the tripwire, be assured, we are all in. Love from Berlin!

[@nipernaadium]

The central Estonia, where NATO troops usually hang out, is a beautiful place. Since it is far from major cities, the housing is dirt cheap even by our standards, which you may find refreshing, coming from Berlin :)

[@martavdz4972]

Gruessen aus Tschechien, thanks for confirming that! My Czech acquaintances keep calling Scholz names because he's reluctant to send the Taurus missiles, but I always point to the good work Germany does in Lithuania 😊

[@alblup6860]

Trust me. The chancellors hesitance will be remembered. Indecision does not bode well with the germans. It is weakness, Putin will view it as such as will we. He will not be chancellor for another term. We embarassed ourselves not taking the warnings seriously in the beginning. Then we committed alot of our own equipment after too much time had passed and now we are indecisive. It is infuriating. If it were up to me things would be different, sadly it isnt up to me. ​@@martavdz4972

[@heinzkabofke6791]

@@martavdz4972 Taurus Missiles are our most hight tech piece of equipment. We would endanger other parts of our lackluster networking infrastructure, if I understood that correctly. Its our perogative to protect that. Without us, Vlad would be a lot closer to his goals. ATM we are the largest contributor (active, all time it's still the US). I feel the constant name calling a bit childish, considering the realities of who is helping and who is capable of not only continuing to help but even ramp up that help cinsiderably.... and who is not.

[@ah5555]

@@heinzkabofke6791 Being German myself I find the way Scholz drags his feet appalling. Btw. your argument against the delivery of Taurus to Ukraine has been proven wrong by the Luftwaffe leaks. In % of GDP the German contribution to arming Ukraine is tiny and pales compared to the Baltic States. And finally, without German gas contracts for more than a decade Putin would not have had the money to attack Ukraine. So, instead of defending the inadequate German response to Russia's aggression write to the chancellery and convince them to support NATO membership for Ukraine.

[@B1gLupu]

"You need to ready the units, organize the logistics, tell the polish to stop celebrating they are about to go fight the russians and then make it all happen" Damn 😅

[@jeckjeck3119]

Polish people hate orcs to almost comical degree.

[@wojciechkowalski3344]

Ye, funny. But please remember no one sane in Poland actually wants war.

[@jeckjeck3119]

@@wojciechkowalski3344 Want is irrelevant, it will happen as long as Orkzia livez.

[@mariusrutkaus]

​@@wojciechkowalski3344 of course, but there's this winged phrase: if you want to avoid war, prepare for one. I suppose that's what we in Baltics or in Poland in that matter, are doing.

[@wojciechkowalski3344]

​​@@mariusrutkausI would never intend to question the necessity of preparation. In fact, I think the current scale of preparations is still not enough - almost nothing is done when it comes to creating civillian bomb shelters etc. I'm just pointing out, that polish morale may be slightly overrated right now (judging by my immediate surroundings).

[@dimitrijuszigunovas3782]

the Lord of The Rings movie was so accurate. at the beginning it says "but there were some who resisted" . those wore the noble people of Europe, Baltic states, Polands, Finlands, those who were aware of the evil that comes from the Mordor

[@steppenwolf1872]

👏👏👏

[@martavdz4972]

Interesting comparison, Ukraine might be Gondor and Poland, Finland and the Baltics are sort of Rohan. Except that... now I remembered Tolkien didn't like direct allegories, so, sorry, Mr. Tolkien.

[@templecreations2351]

@@martavdz4972 bro Rohan fits so well 😂 check out the Lithuanian national symbol since the middle ages, search “Lithuania Vytis” :D these guys are literally modern real life rohan!

[@egertroos-qh7hw]

​@@martavdz4972Greetings from Estonia. Fun fact is that lotr elvish language created by Tolkien was inspored by finnish language

[@krisxperian1]

Would like to say a word in for the Estonian army equipment (I'm from Estonia): 1.We have already ordered over 230 new Otokar APC-s from Turkey both is 4x4 and 6x6 configuration. 2. We have already ordered IRIS-T shorad systems 3. We have already ordered 6 HIMARS 4. We have already ordered coastal defense missile systems - Blue Spear 5G SSM 5. To my knowledge as of this day we don't have any towed howitzers anymore (given all to Ukraine) only the K9, but we do have towed mortars (122 & 81mm) And as an end quote, I love your content! :)

[@Megalomaniakaal]

For 1. You mean 6x6 and 8x8? I don't think there is any 4x4.

[@MrJugsstein]

Estonia 'Legend'

[@McNubbys]

This is the way😊

[@mdjey2]

What is the date you will receive your equipment?

[@ProPatriaEstonia]

Just 2 quick corrections - Iris-T is a mid-range air defense system and of the 230 new APCs, half will be Otokar's 6x6s and half will be Nurol Yörük's 4x4s, which will be arriving in late 2024 and 2025. Additionally, yes, in regards to howitzers, we now have only 36 K9s (24 of which have been delivered, I believe), but we have already procured 6 HIMARSes (should arrive some time next year), lots of loitering munitions (IAI Miny Harpy) and there are plans to buy an additional battalion's worth (12-18) of SPHs (most likeley CAESARs). Also, AFAIK, the first Blue Spears have already arrived here.

[@Zman44444]

Love from Riga! I thank my grandfather everyday for his work in the Latvian MOD. His, and many other people’s efforts granted us a seat in NATO. We have a country because of it 🇱🇻💌🇪🇪🇱🇹

[@rogerwilco2]

Welcome! I have visited Latvia from Ventspils to Gulbene. I especially liked the Soviet Secret Bunker near Sigulda.

[@egertroos-qh7hw]

​@@rogerwilco2Greetings from Estonia

[@E5rael]

As a Finn I was very much interested in hearing about the defense strategy of our Estonian brethren and the other Baltics, too.

[@user-gj1np8zd5t]

As an additional notation one reason why the Baltic states have a considerable number of Russian origin and currently Russian speakers is the massive deportation of people from the Baltic states prior to and post WW2 combined with purges by the Russians of what they considered undesirable elements in the Baltics. Russians were then moved into the Baltics and took over property of the executed and deported BAltic population. A familiar page out of the Ruussian playbook called Russification and applied else where such as Crimea where Russians deported the entire Tatar population where upon Russians moved in and replaced the original population. The same was done in Ukraine especially in eastern Ukraine.

[@PersonManManManMan]

Baltic states unfortunately have experience of what it means to be occupied and attempted to be assimilated

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

It's called genocide, you can say it.

[@oleh.kachynskyi]

As a Ukrainian, I always will be thankful for the unconditional support from countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Don't get me wrong I'm also deeply thankful to the countries like US and Poland, but at some point, there were (and currently are) pretty painful caveats, like blocking our border or holding the military funding (which is currently crucial for us). Seeing this truthful and unconditional helping hand from those countries restores my faith in people. Thank you❤

[@TestTest12332]

Meh, that's just us Lithuanians trying to reestablish the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and incorporate Ukraine back into our territory :) See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Duchy_of_Lithuania#/media/File:Grand_Duchy_of_Lithuania_1430.png

[@MikeJames-kt5dw]

As to the witholding of military funding...our country is...falling apart. I doubt it will be here 50 years from now. Moral rot and all

[@raulolen3991]

Never clicked on something so fast as an estonian Perun fan. Thank you for this video. Even though everything in this video was very obvious to me, i think a compliment to give would be to say that i nodded my head throughout the whole video thinking “yes, yes, exactly, yeah”. You were spot on, on what our thinking is like, also spot on, on the little history part. 0 mistakes throughout the video, which is rare when big channels talk about us. So basically in conclusion, amazing video; agreed with everything; thank you for talking about us!🇪🇪🇦🇺

[@Baby_Noodles]

Ahhh perseeee

[@mjfan653]

Kurat, miks sa talle ei öelnud, et meil Õhuvägi vajaks hädasti grippeneid v uusi ameerika hävitajaid. Nii sadakond, koos moona ja treeninguga. See oleks minimaalne nato abi ettevalmistumisel. V mingeid challengere sadakond tükki, lihtsalt ringirändavad suurtükid. Tegelt Eesti on suht mõistlikult ette valmistanud, aga ikkagi, kaupleme neile mingi tavaari välja, et kui sõda algab, siis teisel päeval on rinne piitri all, mitte Rakvere.

[@georgek1234]

Perun rocks my world time and time again... and this upload was, IMHO, the best ever... it just made my day... I'm so pleased to hear it gets full agreement on content from the Baltic states. We get such narrow angle viewing lens of the world events c/o mass media here in Ontario, Canada, particularly back in time when there was no Internet. Canada is committed to NATO and I feel Trump's rhetoric will be for not as his next term in will be in jail where he belongs. We need to put the rabid bear down tout de suite... Slava Ukraine!

[@martavdz4972]

Exactly!!! I'm a Baltic Studies expert from Czechia and every time I see "Baltic" headline anywhere, I prepare to roll my eyes at the mistakes and the warped view. But here... I prepared in vain! Everything is accurate and Perun even seems to understand the Baltic position a bit. Tere Eesti! 😊

[@restoreleader]

Must be nice living in the country where people got the message. Not just flirting with russians and indecisiveness about positive impacts of soviet gulags and occupation.

[@D3adtrap_]

Thank you for acknowledging our closest brothers in arms, they are some of the best of us. Love from Finland!

[@PersonManManManMan]

Love from Latvia!

[@raulolen3991]

🇪🇪🇫🇮

[@rutos7]

Thank you Finland for all help you and support for us from Lithuania ❤

[@lonpfrb]

Hyvää Suomi 🇫🇮🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇸🇪🇸🇯🇮🇸🇩🇰

[@Baby_Noodles]

Perkele vittu

[@ktap1]

I can't find if anyone has mentioned it yet, but the timing of the post is fantastic. Technically on the 24th of March, but for most of us in the EU, due to time zones, we woke up on th 25th to this post. The 25th is a day of mourning in the Baltics, as 75 years ago, March 25th 1949, the Soviets siezed over 90,000 residents and forcibly deported them to Gulags, Siberia, or worse. It is estimated that over 70% were women and children. Due to the harsh conditions mortality rates were extremely high. Many families had relatives or entire families vanish, never to be heard from again, buried but not forgotten in the tundra. Thank you Perun.

[@Oberschutzee]

💯

[@uku4171]

Watching this while omw back to the barracks in Estonia (doing my mandatory military service).

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Thank you for your service, from an American.

[@uku4171]

@@MarcosElMalo2 🇪🇪❤️🇺🇸

[@viejitaloca2810]

how many years is it?

[@emoubin5601]

​​@@viejitaloca2810mandatory service is 8 or 11 months

[@uku4171]

@@viejitaloca2810 11 months

[@BurningSouled]

As a Lithuanian, who has been plugging your channel for my geopolitics-interested friends for months now, i felt that Christmas arrived early when i saw this video ❤❤❤

[@mariusrutkaus]

Hehe, you are not alone

[@martynaskrivaitis1961]

May I add a clarifying footnote for the "russian migration into baltic states". All of those states saw massive forced resettlements of all local mid and upper class citizens into syberia. Their houses, and the houses newly built for "industrial workforce" were filled, for the better part, by the human leftovers of russia. Criminals, homeless and the like. Ethnic cleansing soviet style. Even decades later, some specific districts have some serious problems. Not just because russian herritage, but because russian trash herritage.. it is a problem here.

[@kairoosaar5530]

I stood in the baltic way with my family, I was 9.

[@OlOleander]

Bless your family's courage.

[@donbalduf572]

Good work! As an American with considerable Finn-Swede ancestry this was very much on point. I will be sending the link to my senators and representatives. They need to hear it.

[@rajeshkanungo6627]

Good idea. I will too, in California. I always write to them and I know their aides read the emails but I hope the messages finally percolate down to them. I make sure I give them talking points they can use on their campaign trails. That is all they really care about.

[@nordicbaltic]

Thank you, excellent idea!

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

Oh please do. The republicans need to understand that isolationism isnt gona get them even 50% of the vote.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

"Muh heritage." You have brown eyes.

[@TheMarelis]

I was waiting for a video about drone developments in Ukraine, this video about us, our brothers and sisters was an unexpected surprise. Cheers from Lithuania! ✌️🇱🇹🇺🇦

[@henrikmadsen6446]

You just got to love these guys and Im proud that Denmark was a mayor voice in pro Baltic NATO membership. While Russia; you got to hate them - in the light of the last millennium - by principle.

[@mariusrutkaus]

I know that for continuous NATO military exercise in Lithuania you Danes were always bringing all your heavy stuff, including leo2s. Good to have you on our side.

[@thomasbaker6563]

​@@mariusrutkaus sadly that probably was all of the danish stuff

[@karilang9377]

Danish should protect their origin of Flag in Reval.

[@velvetmagnetta3074]

I have been dying for a Baltic analysis video from Perun. And what we got was an analysis including NATO and their unique position in it - just masterful! Thank you, Perun. A good rule of thumb I and many of my American brethren have learned after Putin's brutal and stupid invasion of Ukraine is...listen to the Baltics!!! Listen well, and listen early!

[@martavdz4972]

Exactly, been following them for more than 20 years and they're like Hercule Poirot, I can't sometimes believe it myself: They have this annoying habit of being right. Good sense of reality combined with vision and values.

[@just5559]

Id say Latvia didnt get covered enough here, so i'll leave this here. Latvia in coop. with Finland is manufacturing Patria 6x6 inhouse (iirc, also have a purchase order from the EST mil), as well standardizing cybersecurtity, alongside drone warfare - Latvia has a "Edge autonomy" factory based in its central region, creating military grade drones in close cooperation with the Latvian military. An all terrain vehicle called the Fox is also being protyped, and would resamble a modern day ww2 jeep (though obv way more powerful as well as meant for the specific countrys terrain), that would be configurable for many purposes, mostly logistical ones. Alongside that, we have recently aquired new Blackhawks meant for S&R, but do signify an urge to modernize and expand air capabilities. Alongside them, we have recently manufactured and implemented trainer aircraft planes, meant to train and educate future pilots, so id imagine fighter jets or a combat aimed airforce is possible. As for conscription, it has been quite slow and is currently not mandatory, though it will be in the coming years. What isnt mentioned in the video, i feel, is that the military has both a military reserve as well as a substantive amount national guardsman, that are closely integrated with the standing army and have often served over seas (this is true for both EST and LT). Whereas LT and EST have gone the route of great consriptive power (EST) and a large land army (LIT), LV has been drawn to the MIC, working on also establishing a munitions, MRE and vehicle manufacturing plants. If you ask me, as a Latvian national, Latvia should increase conscription as well as focus on more IFVs, such as CV90 or Bradlys. The current force of CVRTs (~200), Patrias (50+) and M109 howitzers (50) is a substantial force, although mostly meant, in my estimation, for an educational purpose, to create a substantive base of service members trained in mechanized warfare and vehicle maintanance, so that they could fulfill the role of instructors for future crews working on more modern equipment. Note, the LV mil had trucks and a fee humvees when Ukraine was attacked in 2014. In the span of 10 years the military is almost unrecognizable - progressivly more modern, well respected and trusted by the population and useful in its own countrys defence. LV is also building a second major NATO base in its eastern region, and, as far as i understand, LV will be home to two of the biggest military bases in the region, though i might be wrong on this one. All of this is what ive gathered by following news about my military for the past 6 years. Hope its an interesting read.

[@socomply5963]

Bro I remember when Russia opened its invasion there was this video on how the Latvian army had gotten so many recruits overnight they struggle being able to process them. But I was blown away by the women and how much they wanted to defend Latvia alongside their brothers and fathers

[@X_irtz]

I just have this feeling that you mentioned that conscription part, while being over the age of 28, since then it wouldn't matter for you anyways.

[@just5559]

@@X_irtz im 22 and just about outside of the conscription cut off (if youre born before 2004, then conscription does not apply to you). That said, i have been looking to join the nat. guard. Just cant, due to working full time and being in university and being way out of shape (am a fat fuck rn). If anything, id like to get into drone manufacturing.

@@socomply5963 That was not army, that was "Zemessardze" - Land Guard. A voulunteer force attached to the army.

[@AmbroReality]

Not to mention major defensive lines being built right now across Baltic borders.

[@alexanderkwan7250]

It's somewhat forgotten, but the Baltic States also sent peacekeepers to Bosnia and Kosovo in the 90's, and to this day, they maintain a presence in Kosovo, with the KFOR. Also, the idea that they would be a part of NATO 20-30 years ago was considered ludicrous and a longshot goal. They've come a long way since then.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Yea some of the few Baltic men left in the world died in Afghanistan for no reason. Thanks America.

[@mado.madeleine]

*Also, the idea that they would be a part of NATO 20-30 years ago was considered ludicrous and a longshot goal.* Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (along with Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania) joined NATO on March 29, 2004, which is almost exactly 20 years ago now.

[@ricardas16]

in a week it will be exactly 20 years of nato and eu anniversary@@mado.madeleine

[@mado.madeleine]

@@ricardas16 yep 🎑

[@karilang9377]

And Serbs still don't like Finns because of Martti Ahtisaari

[@dylanreynolds4334]

I was in Tallinn and Riga this past December for a vacation(I know, the Baltics in winter…great choice!). The amount of people who remember what Russia is capable of was a bit surprising. There were many nights when Ross was at a pub and having conversations with people and like all good pub conversations things became political. The Estonians and lot that I met had some pretty strong opinions about Russia.

[@martavdz4972]

It's almost "Israel and the memories of holocaust" level. Most people there had an ancestor killed or tortured by USSR. Women were sent across freezing Siberia in light evening dresses, just as they came from a ballroom dance, just because their fathers were grammar school teachers. As Russia hasn't turned its course 180 degrees like Germany has, it's hard to forgive and forget. My country was occupied by Austria, but Austria is a nice neighbour now, so we've made our peace with it. Russia is making that impossible.

[@stephenboitoult8774]

The Baltic states all know from experience what "Russki Mir" means. Russia and Russia's very different (but all surprisingly similar) leaders, have an unenviable record of never keeping their word, or sticking to ANY treaties they've willingly signed. They KNOW just how vulnerable any of Europe is without NATO, they don't need convincing, they've been there and done that. It behooves all in the free West to learn from their experience and advice. Russia MUST be defeated in Ukraine or the whole of western democracy will fall to Putin's agression. And they must be defeated entirely, so that there is no chance of them coming back again in a few years.

[@mulamulelilumadi4717]

It's not looking likely Russia will be defeated. They'll probably keep the lands they've taken since 2014. Regarding the Baltics I don't see any heavy response should Russia challenge article 5. Maybe Baltics, NATO and with EU can work out some security arrangements that can secure the region.

[@fraserwright9482]

As a Kiwi living in Finland, I would underline the ANZAC depth and the way it is looked upon in society back home, Gallipoli,WW2, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan is a deep foundation that ties the country together. Speak to any Aussie or Kiwi and their Mana is based on this sacrifice generations ago, some basing their own values of worth on them. But its another to drive for 2 hours and see what can happen to you like it has done in Ukraine and not feel respect for those people in the Baltics and in Eastern Europe. This is very real.

[@DutchSkeptic]

As a historian, I have always found it strange that ANZAC Day, "celebrating" the disastrous defeat at Gallipoli has been framed as somehow being at the foundation of Australian and Kiwi national identity. But for some reason, it has worked. When I criticised it in conversation with an Aussie friend of mine, she got really cross with me, even though she had no military background at all. The reason seems to be that Australia and New Zealand were very young countries at that point which had never fought a war before, and were still getting used to being countries rather than British colonies, yet doing their duties as Britain's allies in this crushing catastrophe is thought of as a commendable "sacrifice" that forged an unforgettable bond.

[@oohhboy-funhouse]

@@DutchSkeptic To translate to American: NZ and AUS didn't have wars of independence, ANZAC day is the closest thing to that, and no, it isn't 'Celebrated', it's really sombre occasion. It's complete opposite to American's Independence Day. I don't know anyone that thought of it as a commendable sacrifice, more shared pain forging blood bonds. ANZAC day is also recognised by Turkey to whom we send a delegation to Gallipoli each year in remembrance. People do use the holiday to have a party, but it isn't for ANZAC day. NZ doesn't even have an independence/founding day, the closest thing we have is Waitangi day.

[@eruno_]

Let's GOOOOOOOO 🎉 🇱🇹 🇱🇻 🇪🇪 🎉

[@GC13]

I'm glad to see the Baltics finally be covered. That's a very, very important part of NATO for obvious reasons.

[@ianslaby5703]

I think it bears mentioning that the reason for the large populations of ethnic russians and Russian speakers in former Soviet satellite states is the policy of the USSR to settle "reliable" people (almost exclusively Russians) in the Western republics of the Union. This was seen as a reward and a way to reinforce the reliability of some of these nations. This was especially true for ukraine and the Baltics. It's a bit rich that Russia today uses the presence of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers as an excuse to claim territory. This would be like America claiming parts of Eastern Poland because there are Americans and English speakers living there.

[@Enyavar1]

Centuries ago, Germans were invited to settle in Russia (which needed skilled craftsmen). Long story. After the Soviet collapse, Germany invited any descendents to migrate back, there's like a million of "Russo-Germans", they returned mostly as unskilled labor. Yes, I've heard Russian opinions about extending the motherland into Germany, as ridiculous as that sounds. We must stand united with the Baltics, the Poles, and Ukraine - or fall divided.

[@pRahvi0]

Also given how most of ethnic Russians or Russain speakers outside of Russia have no interest in living under Russian government. Especially Putin's government.

[@carlthor91]

My home area, in South Eastern Manitoba, has an area with Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian people. They immigrated in the late 1890's to early 1900's. The rest of the area is Scandinavian. Perun, your latest videos help in understanding the reasons behind the exodus. Thank you.

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

If they do not speak our language they are considered outlanders.

[@georgek1234]

​@@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714 after that many generations their native language is likely long gone. My parents both fled war torn Vienna after WWII... I was born & raised in Toronto and I rebelled speaking anything other than English growing up... in general, working middle class immigrants learned English as there were few translation services back then.

[@mariusrutkaus]

Interesting to hear that, I know that most of Lithuanians that emigrated to North America settled in Chicago.

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

@@georgek1234 "after that many generations their native language is likely long gone." Pathetic. "My parents both fled war torn Vienna after WWII..." Sameful. "I was born & raised in Toronto and I rebelled speaking anything other than English growing up..." You are disgrace to your ancestors, as are your parrents for answering when called by children in a language that is not theirs. "in general, working middle class immigrants learned English as there were few translation services back then." Translation shansmation, I would instantly learn the local language and maintain indefinetly my language even if I was the only man in the entire country that speaks it. Can you tell that 750 years of foreign rule has gotten my family to develop a very rezist and bite attitude against anything that would encrouch on our identity? We can not afford to deny that progress of technology like the amish, nor do we see any harm in atending an animecon for the fun of it, but we will always return to our sacred groves and venirate our ancestors. Fun fact there is a joke among us that if you want to see if your potential girlfriend is a latviete take her to your graveyard for your first date.

[@carlthor91]

@@mariusrutkaus Some did, the towns folk mostly. Just West of my area, is the largest group of Icelanders, outside of Iceland. Also a lot of Ukrainians, all through Canada, some from before WWI, the rest around the time of the Holodomor.

[@balticwater]

If the Baltic states, especially Estonia, were invaded... I have little doubt that Finland would go to war, NATO or not. Some of the politicians would definitely be hesitant, but I don't think the people would be. And the people already overran the politicians on the NATO question early 2022. The politicians could do nothing but rapidly follow the will of the people.

[@karilang9377]

Especially in Estonia, I believe there are more professional trained soldiers from Finland than from Estonia if Putin will invite Estonia.

[@pRahvi0]

Considering that pretty much every Russian occupation of Estonia has been a prelude to invasion to Finland, there is every reason for Finns trying to prevent that from happening ever again.

[@K1ngpool]

Finland protects Estonia, Estonia Latvia and Latvia Lithuania so we can all have some of that cheap alcohol :D

[@nojusbendoraitis5310]

Greetings from Lithuania🇱🇹

[@egertroos-qh7hw]

Greetings from Estonia

[@mnufeld8448]

Greetings from Canada

[@Werrf1]

"Hey, Colonel Einseln, if you're feeling bored in retirement, maybe take up Warhammer. I'm sure you could build a great army." "Build an army, you say..."

[@yuapanda]

Deciding factor was it was cheaper than Warhammer.

[@robertbraden4454]

@@yuapanda +1

[@tdb7992]

I'm actually in the middle of planning a trip to the Baltic states - I've been booking accomodation this weekend. Countries like the Baltic states seem so exotic to us Aussies. All that history and beautiful old towns - heaven on earth.

[@dundun8640]

In Latvia we have a pub called the Aussie Pub (Aussie backpackers pub), witch i frequent after school, the staff is amazing, but they lost their supplier for VB tho :c I highly suggest to ad that place as a place to visit. Also we have an Armory Bar, where you can drink beer and mess around with deactivated weapons :)

[@tdb7992]

@@dundun8640 VB is awful stuff. We have much better beer than that! That's maybe our cheapest beer. I actually lived very close to the Melbourne Latvian House. Look it up on Google - it's small but I have been to their "Cafe Riga" and it was very tasty.

[@user-ul9dv2iv9s]

Lost vb did they? Tell them to get some real beer specifically brewed naturally for a hot climate. Coopers of course.

[@mariusrutkaus]

Hope you'll enjoy it, each old town is different, Vilnius is more baroque, while Riga and Tallinn are more medieval and Hanseatic

[@CaptainBanjo-fw4fq]

@@user-ul9dv2iv9sNice pick. Personally I prefer Great Northern or, when feeling fruity, Stone and Wood.

[@MeeesterBond17]

Looking at the comments section, putting "Baltic" in a YT video title seems to be a little bit like shining the Bat-Signal into the night sky. You just summoned them all... 😁 🇬🇧❤🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪

[@ALLMINDmercenarysupportsystem]

According to his Q&A video, the Baltics make up a large number of regular channel viewers, so not surprising.

[@MeeesterBond17]

@@ALLMINDmercenarysupportsystem Damn, I must have missed that one! That's cool.

[@Enyavar1]

The Baltics are proud online patriots. I once did a youth summer camp with a bunch, they are lovely company. Even the Baltorussians among them, I hope they didn't turn traitors. Shoutout to Eesti Vabariik, you're the coolest - among all them cool people.

[@mariusrutkaus]

Hehe, you are right, we really appreciate when someone like Perun shows attention to our small nations.

[@martavdz4972]

@@Enyavar1There are some traitors, but not all of them, not by a long shot. Even the Russian-speaking party in Latvia is fairly supportive of the security measures. I know some Russian-speaking Latvians in Riga and they´re great, interested in other cultures, they helped me make it though my first winter. On the whole, what´s little known in the world, is that the Russian-speaking minority in the Baltics is incredibly diverse. From Georgians to Siberians, from blue-collar workers to members of parliament, spanning every political view imaginable. Some miss the USSR, some love the EU. My Russian-Latvian friend (well, Polish-Latvian-Armenian-Siberian, really) used to say "there´s no such thing as a Russian-Latvian worldview. Each Russian-speaking Latvian has a different opinion".

[@jimtalbott9535]

Even though I was a high-schooler in 1991, I remember being really happy for the Baltic states. I was a massive nerd in Jr High, and had maps from National Geographic Magazines pinned up on my walls - no really. And I became curious about the Baltics. I ended up reading up a bit, and then learned about the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - at least superficially. It was fascinating history, and it was really pleasing to know they were able to have their nation back.

[@encryptedprinter3289]

I had no idea that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania contributed to NATO so much. Thank you for raising awareness of that. Your channel and William Spaniel have done fantastic work helping me to understand the greater mechanisms at work. Thank you for that.

[@jasondiaz8431]

Spent a night on a Roof top with Lithuanian Soldiers in Al Hillah Iraq in 2003. They must have thought us American Soldiers were short. They had awesome equipment M16A1, M1911 pistols. Straight outta Nam.

[@crabLT]

2003 was still the infacy of the Lithuanian military. That equipement is not surprising, it was probably old US stock hand-me-down's. It wouldn't surprise me if it saw action is vietnam.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Balts are tall for sure. 6 feet is below average height for a man I swear.

[@crabLT]

@@eustacemcgoodboy9702The average height in Lithuania is 180.72cm, that's 5'11.15 in feet. So that's close.

[@mariusrutkaus]

​@@crabLTthat's a weird average. I'm 176cm and always felt like a midget among my friends.

[@karilang9377]

Latvian women are tallest in the world

[@Cjuo]

Been struggling for a while to put my finger on why I love the beginning of a Perun video…no intro music/guff. Straight to the point. I love it. Just a small observation

[@B1gLupu]

Its the quiet before the storm of sarcasm and wit.

[@mado.madeleine]

also no cringy faces in the thumbnails 🙏🏽

[@martaxsasLT]

It's just a (good) academic like introduction that you might find in papers

[@tracywright6908]

PALDIES! Every detail of the Latvian heritage denied during the span of my life, is a precious stone. My grandparents and infant father left Riga in 1937. I'm compelled to write about our odyssey, and currently working on citizenship. PERUN, much GRATITUDE for the detail of truth in your presentations, sharing your wealth of knowledge!

[@Deridus]

As an American of Polish heritage, I am always happy to hear how my kin in the baltic are prospering. Having them as allies is a true boon to all.

[@franatrturcech8484]

love to the baltics from czechia

[@rutos7]

You too. Czechia is amazing supporter for Ukraine. Thank you😊

[@egertroos-qh7hw]

Greetings from Estonia to Czechia

[@ReasonableHuman1]

Thank you Baltics for your help to Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@afterglow5285]

So here I am, Sunday morning, no girlfriend and no friends; life feels like trash. But those PowerPoint slides make me smile and help me get through another uneventful day.

[@JohnSmith-zn5nw]

You can have my girlfriend, I just found out she's cheating on me with a 'friend'. Want to swap lives? At least we have a Perun video to cheer us up.

[@ziomudru]

Married with small children. I would swap my sunday with your uneventful one anytime.

[@rainmaker7667]

​​@@JohnSmith-zn5nw how ungentlemanly of you to give your trash to a good man. And I do agree, PP Ausie is the only thing that can cheer us in these dark times.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

In my 50’s and happily divorced, want a pro tip? Rent, never buy, several things in life due to ongoing maintenance and overhead costs and pain. Friends otoh, you really need to get some of those and I know how that goes, but put yourself out there, you’ll find some.

[@timmommens901]

​@@JohnSmith-zn5nw Cracking me up 😊

[@Kezzilla77]

As an American, I feel NATO is essential to ensuring US national defense and the maintenance of the International rules based system that underpins American economic security. Thank you for this content. I understand the importance of collective security and having allies such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. I support Ukraine 🇺🇦 in its war to defend itself against Putin.

[@OlOleander]

Strongly agreed

[@peterkorman9368]

Who is laughing on that perfect joke about Poland? Greeting from Slovakia, lets go Poland!

[@egertroos-qh7hw]

Greetings from Estonia

[@hannojaanniidas9655]

Brilliant vidéo. An excellent summary of the histories of the Baltic trio, the challenges the countries face, and the solutions they seek. I live in Tallinn with my Lithuanian wife, and these issues are close to our hearts. I've been a Perun subscriber and Patreon supporter for nearly 2 years.

[@ProtonCannon]

Thank you for the Baltics state for always standing up for Ukraine and for the entirety of Europe!

[@LMB222]

56:10 about that doubling of the NATO border with Russia: while Sweden isn't vocal about their attitude towards Russia, Finland won't waste **any** opportunity to point out what laws Russia breaks and what manipulations Russia has deployed, usually in the form of "Poland is right about… ". Now a Finnish-Polish cultural alliance against Russia is one of those things I'd never expect.

[@B1gLupu]

We both shared history in Russian oppression and German dissapointments.

[@BackwardsPancake]

I mean, the Swedes keep things low-key, but you need to remember, their expansive MIC and defense strategy are still primarily engineered to do one very specific thing (and despite some of the jokes, it isn't "invading Norway").

[@ArtisZ]

​@@BackwardsPancakeDenmark? I knew it. xD Jokes aside, yep, Swedes know the onslaught russia is contemplating to have.

[@victorcapel2755]

@@BackwardsPancake Perun mentioned in one of his videos from about a year and a half ago that Sweden has the lowest number of people that have positive feelings towards Russia in the world, together with Poland. Both countries have a "Russia approval rating" of around 2%.

[@igorbednarski8048]

​@@victorcapel2755interestingly enough before the invasion of Ukraine there was a non insignificant minority of people in Poland with a positive opinion on Putin with reasoning not dissimilar to that of the Westerners that support him - viewing him as some sort of a "defender of traditional values" and so on - but unlike in the West, this almost instantly evaporated as soon as the bombs started falling on Ukrainian cities. You can still find people like that, but they're an extremely tiny fringe, 1-2% sounds about right.

[@danielasli4631]

Your work is essential in these times we again find ourselves in.

[@bigolboomerbelly4348]

Recently there was a flight and unfortunately an engine gave way. The plane was in trouble. It didn't have the power to fly with such a heavy load. The captain sprang into action ordering all cargo be jettisoned. Much to his despair the plane was still six hundred pounds too heavy. So the captain went on the intercom and said "My fellow passengers our plane has blown an engine and we are too heavy to fly. We've jettisoned all unnecessary weight but unfortunately we are still six hundred pounds too heavy. We are going to ask for three brave souls to sacrifice themselves so the rest of us may live." A frenchman stood up and bellowed "Viva la France!" before bravely jumping. An Englishman stood up and said "God save the King" before sacrificing himself. A Ukrainian stood up and shouted "Slava Ukraini!" before throwing a russian out of the plane.

[@qZbGmYjS4QusYqv5]

This anecdote is older than Perun 😁

[@pantalaemon]

@@qZbGmYjS4QusYqv5 what can we say, the russians have a track record

[@pekkadegroot8326]

Just to add info, after Estonian independence from the SU they received a fair amount of training and help from Finland.

[@B1gLupu]

One could argue that Finnish alcohol tax is also one form of foreign aid, since so many Finns travel to Estonia every year for cheap booze.

[@chairpersonofthecharlotteh5646]

​@@B1gLupuhaha😂

[@karilang9377]

​@@B1gLupu that's enough good reason to move to Estonia also helping with so beautiful ladies ... I did it my self.

[@martinkoitmae6655]

Finland has helped Estonia to develop into a beautiful modern country! We are grateful for your help.

[@karilang9377]

@@martinkoitmae6655 I believe Estonians helped them self with marginal help from others.

[@L1vv4n]

Important point about Russian workers migration into Baltic States. It was involuntary process for both sides. Nobody was asking for Russians to come and work there and Russians were not asked much if they want to move half the country from their home to live among people speaking different language and who rightfully see them as occupants. Also, Russians were always told, that without them, Baltic Nations would not have any statehood of their own. That made this wave of Russians particularly toxic politically and culturally and have lasting effects both on relations of the countries with Russia, with current Russian immigration and perception of Russian culture and policies.

[@PersonManManManMan]

Unfortunately it still has lasting effects to this day, despite the fact that Baltics were rich before occupation and were donating to the uninion

[@MarcosElMalo2]

The big question is are the ethnic Russians loyal Estonians, Latvians, or Lithuanians? Or are the colonialists that want their respective countries to be part of the Russian empire? Presumably they are the former. Otherwise they should have returned to Russia years ago, no?

[@Muljinn]

Would *you* want to go back to Putin’s Russia when you were living in a fairly developed and non-corrupt country? I know I wouldn’t.

[@user-ul9dv2iv9s]

@@Muljinn but would you vote for Putin and hope he'll send those little green men in?

[@Therealpro2]

​@@MarcosElMalo2 I would say more are less loyal to Estonia than they are to Russia. I did my conscription in 2018-2019 in EDF and out of curiosity, I asked if they trusted Russian or Western news more, only one guy in my squad said they trusted western news. Nobody was openly anti-Estonian though.

[@Macrosssevenplus]

Working on homework all night for graduate school... Perun uploads an hour long powerpoint... I will now listen to said powerpoint. I know my priorities. Bliss...

[@Aurochs330]

I love the Baltic states. I’m glad you’re covering them as it is they who will be next after Ukraine. Our brothers and sisters in Ukraine must not fall.

Small correction: the quote "Lithuania is among those countries that has always tried to convince the Alliance about the Russian threat" should be attributed to Arvydas Anušauskas (the Minister of Defense), Michael Miklaucic was the interviewer for the interview this is from.

[@martaxsasLT]

I would like to highlight NATO summit in Vilnius that has happened recently. I would assume letting Vilnius be annexed by a foreign power would be catastrophic to NATO credibility more than any other territory within the Baltics. If NATO fails in its commitments in such a way, I would argue it would shake all collective defence agreements current and future ones.

[@thebu383]

If this guy taught school with this level of tongue in cheek and humor I think the failure rate across the world would fall 99%. I’m pretty sure he could make crossword puzzles with a 8 week old cadaver interesting.

[@nickhinx22]

In 2019 I was apart of an American armor unit in Poland, placed uncomfortably close to the Suwalki corridor. I got to train with the soldiers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia several times, and I have to say I was personally impressed. Very motivated, very driven, and they were like sponges. They wanted to know everything we did and why we did it. Post crimea, and pre special military operation, I was only 21-22 at the time and was kind of uncomfortable at how much/ why they wanted to know everything. I didn’t understand their reasoning. I do now.

[@OlOleander]

American former serviceman here. I had the privilege of meeting some Estonian NCOs and junior officers visiting my home state for training. They were warm, professional, and dedicated. Their conduct, and the Baltics' consistent history (moreso than even our own, unfortunately, given the Orange Man's recent conduct) of support to NATO were unquestionable. I strongly appreciate and support Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as allies and friends. If I were still in uniform, I would have no compunction about deploying to defend our Baltic friends and their homes from our common enemies. An attack against one is an attack against all. Thank you Perun for another great presentation!

[@Doomer1984]

Thank goodness the most popular president ever replaced the bad man and brought peace and calm to international relations,, oh wait

[@anneklaus7921]

I have never been happier for a Perun video in my life. My final project for one of my classes is on Russian aggression in the Baltics. This is going to help me so much.

[@Guchzaurz]

Thank you, Pērkon! (Perun) for this video! As a subscriber from Baltics this was a very insightful video, I only have a minor problem about the part of history as a Soviet state. Soviets relocated factories, equipment, gold and other things to Moscow from Baltic capital's after their occupation. There was a study made by director of Vidzeme University - Gatis Krūmiņš, where he overturned the myth, that Soviet's pumped more recources in Baltic's. It was the other way around. Again, thank you for you video and your talking point's, while I might not like what I hear, I can't deny the truth - our geopolitical situation have sucked since forever.

[@Laurynas_LTU]

As a Lithuanian I can say foreigners often tend to make a lot of mistakes when talking about my country, but Perun did a great job, I can't find any mistakes, so thank you for taking care to be absolutely accurate. I just would like to add that moscovia can employ hybrid war tactics and send small unmarked insurgency forces to the eastern ethnic Russian parts of our states (like in Donbas and Crimea), so that the Article 5 is not invoked. Belarus dictator has already tried flooding LT, PL and LV with people transported from the Middle East and Africa.

[@jacobno7400]

Amazing video as always! I really appreciate the history portion you put in to these videos, especially in today’s video. I did not know about the Baltic States sending troops to Afghanistan after 9/11. I will not forget the aid they provided. Thank you and the team for all the hard work. Thank you Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, from the US.

[@martavdz4972]

As a Baltic Studies expert from Czechia, I´ll use this opportunity to promote a little-known history fact about Latvia and Estonia. I was a bit disappointed Perun didn´t mention it. Latvia and Estonia mostly had contacts with Western, Central and Northern Europe throughout their history. They belonged to Sweden in the 17th and early 18th century. They also had German-speaking aristocracy for 700 years, no matter who the official overlords were. The aristocracy was mostly negligent and sometimes cruel, but in the 19th century, some families started an enlightenment - schools, knitting courses, industrial know-how and such. This was under tsarist Russia, but was all in German and took its inspiration from Germany. So the Russian "historical claim" on the Baltics is extremely questionable. Plus, it gave the Baltic nations the incredible flexibility, stamina, language skills and sense of identity, having lived under two oppressive nations at the same time.

[@markusmeldre]

Ooh finally video on the Baltics

[@chepulis]

Great video, as usual. Glad to be represented in Perunverse. Some things that are missing. The burgeoning plans to erect a defensive line along the border with Russia/Belarus. The recent history of hybrid attacks, including the migrant crisis and the energy independence issues. And more local memes. Let's hope that we never need to become a mainstay topic on the channel.

[@KRYNK]

Estonia mentioned💪🇪🇪

[@jephgalland7324]

Elagu Vaba Eesti! Igaveseks!

[@JustinRM20]

It's nice seeing smaller nations get their fair share of representation. Would love to see one about Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Norway, et cetera. Nations with niche specialties in NATO due to their smaller size.

[@saltzkruber732]

Suggestion for a video on the Nordic countries and their defence strategy now that all are in Nato

[@vranlekhavran8294]

You have an uncanny ability to put out vidoes that adress exactly my contemporary anxieties. Thank you, sir. It helps a lot to get an easily accessible overview of the situation, especially with such a solid - and honest - foundation that you provide.

[@ananasaz2696]

Thanks, Perun for mentioning us :)

[@PrezMcIntyre]

I love how Perun has become a part of my Sunday morning routine. Nothing better breakfast, a cup of tea, and Perun on a Sunday morning.

[@bishopofsahs]

What about church?

[@c1ph3rpunk]

@@bishopofsahsever hear of a synagogue.

[@bishopofsahs]

@@c1ph3rpunk no

[@ALLMINDmercenarysupportsystem]

​@@bishopofsahs What about it?

[@bishopofsahs]

@@ALLMINDmercenarysupportsystem You sound like you’re stupid.

[@reidszimmerman]

Fantastic video! One of your best so far. Really glad I learned about these smaller players, and I have a lot more respect for them now. Huge shout out for what they did in Afghanistan!

[@mikelnazkauta1317]

I love it when you talk about small countries. As somebody from a small country, it warms my heart just how seriously we have to take our defence strategies and how dependant they are on the willingness of society, to defend itself and strong alliances. Edit: Finland is mentioned Me, not finish, bumping my chest: HU! HU! HU! HU! HU! HU!

[@karliskokorevics6902]

As a Latvian, I will be watching this newest video with both happiness and concern 😅

[@MarcosElMalo2]

I broadly had a picture of Latvian defense concerns, but this Perun video pulled it together, filled in the details, and really made the whole topic concrete. I feel like I understand better the challenges Latvia (and Estonia and Lithuania) faces.

[@andresmoks7272]

As Estonians we are also concerned about Latvia. Hope that with cooperation we can fix it fast.

[@egertroos-qh7hw]

​@@andresmoks7272No sibulatelt tuleks tagasi võtta Jaanilinn ja Petseri ning Lätlaste Abrene nin Valgevene Smolensk

[@ahettinger525]

I can't speak for everyone, but I enjoy when you speak on _any_ topic. While maybe not the "major players," that's what makes it great. It's covering the dynamics we don't get to see as much.