The Suwalki Gap: NATO's Weakest Point? | ACCESS

Joe heads to Exercise IRON WOLF 2022 in Lithuania, joining some old friends from 2 RIFLES, in a region known as 'NATO's Weakest Point' but...is it?
His journey begins at a Tripoint between Kaliningrad, Poland and Lithuania and ends on the Pabrade training area during an annual military exercise held in Lithuania, bringing together NATO troops from Belgium, Germany, Norway, The Netherlands, the British Army and more.
Filmed over two visits several months apart, this video will challenge certain myths surrounding the Suwalki Corridor, by speaking to those on the ground and renowned academic and author of the book, “Russia’s War on Everyone”, Kier Giles.
00:00 - Intro
04:09 - Myth 1 Suwalki Gap Terrain
08:19 - Myth 2 No NATO assets in the area
12:36 - Myth 3 Poland and Lithuania would let it happen
16:56 - Myth 4 Strategic value to Russia
18:01 - Myth 5 Belarus
#NATO #Suwalki #ArmedForces #RIFLES

[@michaelmulligan0]

Weakest points in NATO are Budapest and Ankara

[@VoidCosmonaut]

And , sadly, both Paris and Berlin

[@jackm6810]

Ankara most of all

[@ianworley8169]

Absolutely spot on. Orban is Putin's man in NATO and the EU. Erdogan will flip if the shit hits the fan.

[@stinkypete5150]

Turks are playing both sides.

[@alexhill8088]

Strongest in Warsaw 💪🇵🇱

[@David-tm4yj]

I have worked with Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian forces when i was in the RAF, they are blooming good people. They also have NO love for Russia( as they were under their yolk from 1945 till the Soviet union collapsed), we have their back if push comes to shove. Great video ( as always), keep up the good work BFBS 😁

[@augustkasemaa3290]

We Estonians really appreciate you guys being here. All the best to the British army!

[@vankinobis8049]

We are enemys with russians thousands of years fuck yes there is no love to them

[@365Condoms]

Wrong: Lithuanians cannot stand the sight of russians since the Lithuanian genocide. and will eliminate invaders at all costs

[@David-tm4yj]

@@365Condoms I know how Lithuanians were treated appallingly under Soviet rule.

[@HaloFTW117]

Much appreciate your understand of the region and support, we’ve horribly suffered from Russian imperialism over time. Greetings from Latvia and merry Christmas!

[@jankos5498]

I live in Suwałki. I have food hidden in the surrounding forests. I also built a dugout hidden in an inaccessible place. I know the area very well. If necessary, I will obtain weapons from the enemy. The enemy will not have it easy. There are many people like me.

[@reinis9160]

When the forests start speaking Polish/Lithuanian

[@PotatoMan__]

I commend your level of preparedness and commitment. Trust that this Canadian, and many like me, will fight by your side. Za naszą i waszą wolność!

[@aliklili]

What enemy??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣Who is your enemy????😂😂😂😂😂First clear your head of hostile thoughts and then the enemy will also disappear.

[@richardjoseph9002]

@@aliklili oh really? And how does that work?

[@jovanlopez1660]

Yo...Do you have Weapons? Viktor Bout is out of prison 🤫

[@Laurynas_LTU]

A LT AF reservist here. This video gets my approval as to the accuracy of information. All the main myths busted in an easy to understand format. I really liked that you included the myth about the Baltics not fighting back if invaded. The West do not have the slightest idea of what it means to be under ruzzian occupation. In LTU, a country of just around 3 mln. people, over 110 000 people were deported to Siberia, between 20 000 - 30 000 Freedom Fighters (Forest Brothers) were killed in the decade of partisan (guerilla) fighting against ruzzians during the beginning of occuparion. People tortured. The LT culture (language, traditions, religion, etc.) heavily surpressed. And so on. If Lithuanians managed to form 20 000 - 30 000 fighters from scratch without anybody's help and to fight the occupants for a decade in 1944-1953, now that we're part of NATO, with a modern western AF, with territorial defence and Riflemen's society, we would gather probably 100 000 strong force in the first weeks and then NATO troops would double and tripple that. This is not UA, the biggest country in Europe. LT is a tiny, 300 x 400 km (200 x 250 mi) area country so it'd be easily defended with such numbers of forces. We have the most modern self-propelled howitzers and IFVs, Javelins, Stingers, etc. We've been a NATO member and we've had joint trainings and exercises for almost 2 decades, since 2004. Thanks to our EU membership, we've built good roads and we're improving our railway system to improve logistics. However, LTU (& Baltics) need more NATO presence on the eastern coast of the Baltic sea. Until Finland and Sweden join NATO, this area is NATO's northeastern frontier. Instead of NATO troops on rotation like at the moment, we need a permanent NATO brigade here. Thank you for the video and thank you to NATO troops here. #SlavaUkraini

[@herluisalvarado8366]

Finland already joined, byt Turkey and Hungary still blocking Sweden membership on NATO means that Sweden wont join soon unless here are political changes in Hungary/Turkey to re-vert their vetos, or NATO take the radical decision to expel in their aliance.

[@ernestpaniagua1210]

Very informative I'm from the US and I was in the US Army Berlin Brigade in West Berlin 89-92 and I saw the Soviet sector and saw communism so I have a very good understanding of what you are talking about. Now I'm a old retired US Army Airborne infantryman 22 years 87-09 never got to train with your military met some people from your country after the fall of the wall. You won't be alone this time remember since you are still serving your country. The more you train in peace the less you bleed in war . Train as you fight. Fight as you train. My former commander in the US Army Berlin Brigade was from your country Gen Sidney Shackanow his family was killed by the Nazis he survived the camps didn't like the Russians very much very interesting and good man and I considered him a friend he passed away a few years ago.

[@reveng6705]

I feel you brother. I'm from Georgia and my country is under fascist occupation for last two centuriesy alread. when bolsheviks came to power, they killed and deported all the brain of those times. left only illiterate peasants and filled the void with bydlo ruzians from far east. time will come and justice will be served for all the fallen heroes.

[@bradcolby1]

Excellent analysis! I‘m American and strongly support my Baltic,Polish,& Ukrainian brothers & sisters!

[@emfab5163]

Thank you ❤ Merry Christmas

[@baronas7]

God, bless America!

[@bradcolby1]

@@emfab5163 🎄❤️ you too!

[@bradcolby1]

@@baronas7 Thank you,God Bless!

[@star-studded]

*⁠\⁠0⁠/⁠*

[@Nonyobiz]

Retired General Ben Hodges has suggested the term 'Suwalki Corridor' as opposed to 'Suwalki Gap' because one wishes to plug a gap, hold open a corridor.

[@misiekkania]

Poland will be ready. We lost our independence too man times. NOT ANY MORE. Poland will be ready if needed!

[@0westdude]

They will definitely be ready especially as South Korean weaponry starts to arrive

[@SteadyRoosevelt]

And many stand behind you guys as well. Love to Poland 🇵🇱

[@user-ws6up4ox1u]

It's NATO who expanded East words. We know from the History Where this has ended! What happened with Napoleon and Hitler! It will happen with NATO equally the same. It will be for the West and grave in the East! And none will be back or Return from the East a life. I know the predictions

[@user-ws6up4ox1u]

Poland Hates Russia? Who Liberated them from the Nazis? And what the Baltic's is concerned Sided by side with the Nazis While Allied themselves with the Nazis! Why aren't you all not Thinking .??? Regards Roberto HALKA.

[@misiekkania]

We have our resons. Russians took our independence in 1795 for 123 years. Tried to do the same in 1920. Did the same in 1939 :D with Nasiz. And this liberation in 1945 just to have us on a commmunist leash till the 89'. And just big thanks for KATYŃ look it up.@@user-ws6up4ox1u

[@sladewinberry8283]

Love to our Eastern NATO brothers and sisters from the US! Great documentary. Love you all and love to Ukraine. WEARENATO

[@dickbison]

Due to our historical experiences it is a very common sentiment in Poland that we may be left alone by our allies when things go south. So to any Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian and Finn that needs to hear this: you will NOT be left alone, we have your back. Can't speak for all of NATO, but I know my people and Poles will be there in a heartbeat to grab the bear by the throat. We would already be in Ukraine if NATO didn't stop us.

[@andriusserpenskas4714]

Thank you Polish brothers!

[@genesmolko8113]

The NATO alliance is strong. If Russia drives one tank into a NATO country, the response would be massive and swift.

[@XIXCentury]

no you wouldn't shut up lol

[@maninepram603]

@@genesmolko8113 hahaha that makes me laught.. Poland against Russia hahahahah

[@genesmolko8113]

@@maninepram603 I didn't say Poland against Russia, I said NATO against Russia. Of course given Russia's performance against Ukraine, it looks like Poland could whip their ass too.

[@tommyrq180]

You cannot understand the Suwalki Gap from a Polish perspective until you understand the Smolensk Gate, the tank superhighway from Moscow to Warsaw. The latter is their highest priority. You also cannot contemplate the vulnerability of Kaliningrad unless you understand the volume and types of artillery from Poland and Lithuania that would devastate that oblast in minutes or hours.

[@yasserbencheikh2626]

Don’t you think the Russians would know of the danger in Kaliningrad? It’s super fortified to start and has tons of ordinance to be used as well. The Polish army is kinda in bad shape at this very moment since they gave almost half of their equipment to Ukraine. I was talking to a polish friend the other day and he mentioned the fact that Poland would be difficult to protect due to the lack of geographical features that could help stall any advance, not like Donbas with its industrial zones and free flowing rivers. The Suwalki gap is maybe the best line of defense possible in the area, or maybe the Vistula. But in all honesty I don’t see the Russians attacking first as it would mean WW3 and they know they risk destruction if they do that.

[@alexjutte229]

@@yasserbencheikh2626 The Russians have moved all but a couple of thousand troops out of Kaliningrad now. A lot of that stockpiled ammo will have been shipped out too. Kaliningrad isn't the threat it used to be.

[@death_parade]

I am interested in Polish military but I don't know much about it. How many active Artillery Regiments are in Polish Army?

[@tommyrq180]

@@death_parade en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_structure_of_the_Polish_Land_Forces

[@tommyrq180]

@@yasserbencheikh2626 A Russian invasion via Smolensk Gate is and will remain the Polish military’s primary focus. They will never allow their military to become incapable of mounting a vigorous defense of their homeland. Polish artillery units, by the way, are outstanding. Russian artillery has not proven very effective in Ukraine, much like the rest of their units. My Kaliningrad comment was not directed at Russians, but generally at Americans who couldn’t point to Kaliningrad on a map but who need to understand its strategic meaning and the forces facing each other. Unfortunately, it is a tinder box that could ignite a much larger conflict.

[@westerncentristrants525]

Let's not forget that once Sweden and Finland join, reinforcing the Baltics by sea will be easy.

[@bakker071]

A centrist hungry for war? Interesting

[@dinozauriukas100]

@@bakker071 Not hungry for war, but striving for Baltics security - wanting freedom and sovereignty is not being hungry for war, we want to prevent war as much as possible. However, ruZZia has shown that NATO's Eastern flank needs to reinforce more, ruZZia is a power hungry, serf-minded, imperialistic shit stain on the world that needs to be demilitarized and turned democratic, so us Eastern nations will no longer need to fear it.

[@bakker071]

@@dinozauriukas100 so you deem the eu democratic also interesting, nato should have been abolished when the Soviet Union collapsed. It’s lost it’s purpose. It’s now a play ball for US globalism. How are we better then the Russians after Iraq, Afghanistan and Lybia.

[@dinozauriukas100]

@@bakker071 NATO has not lost its purpose, this has been obvious since 2008 war with Georgia, now it's even more obvious will this '3 day war' with Ukraine. NATO is here to protect us, otherwise ruZZia would be occupying us again. We have no love for ruZZians, KEEP YOUR BOOTS OFF OUR SOIL.

[@bakker071]

@@dinozauriukas100 so why did Lybia happen?

[@patrykc9050]

I was born and lived in Poland throughout the 90s in Suwalki and the little towns near by. It’s crazy to think that now instead of hearing about Suwalki from my family, I’m hearing about it in terms of war and it’s potential to be a battleground of the next major war.

[@VoidCosmonaut]

Ziomuś jesteś Polakiem. Zdaj sobie z tego sprawę. Urodziłeś się w Polsce z Polki i Polaka. To, że chuj wie gdzie wyjechałeś tego nie zmienia

[@patrykc9050]

@@VoidCosmonaut Sto procent, zgadzam sie z toba

[@mikeirons9244]

Good video, but you neglected to mention one very important aspect. With Finland and Sweden joining NATO, the baltic sea is a lot more secure for resupply and takes pressure off the Suwalki Gap

[@AdamWaltersPDX]

Not yet

[@mibarehere]

With or without Sweden/Finland in Nato. The sea is secure. If Russia can’t move freely in the Black sea, they cant move at all near Finland or Sweden.

[@bryan0x05]

@@AdamWaltersPDX Even if they aren't in NATO yet, they are no longer neutral, UK and I believe the US has already offered security guarantees in case they are invaded before they join.

[@wess1405]

I would even argue that the gap might become a liability for Russia. It might not take much to take it, but to hold it is another story. There would be constant pressure from both sides of the corridor. With Finland and Sweden as allies, Russian forces would be stretched thin.

[@DestroyerOfLiberals]

@@bryan0x05 Sweeden and Finland are covered by the EU mutual defence clause, which is basically the same thing as NATO's Article 5. I think it's pretty obvious that if EU goes to war - NATO goes to war.

[@EMCE.23]

I love the energy Poland brings, they really have reached the point of “fuck around and find out Russia”. Love to the Poles, you guys are a credit to your nation.

[@HanSolo__]

Just like Ukraine now builds the deepest national identity we used to for centuries. Among other things, it is keeping Poland safe from Russia (Soviets, Rus, etc.) They will have such an attitude we have now. It feels kinda like you were born with it. You have your DNA, already infected with subconscious mistrust toward the world's largest country. It was formed against their leading forces and much of their society. When do they get we are born ready to fight. As a Pole, I can't look at a much bigger opponent any other way than "Yeah, they are kinda equal in force to us. We can pull this off." 😆 Yup, we are all that stupid. 🤣But, what can I do? Nothing is going to change it. Now, Ukraine will catch up with us in this regard. Thanks and stay safe. 😉

[@arturasp9738]

Good video! You said the most important thing - enemy knows that we can be defeated only if we are divided (politics/social issues/racism). Greetings and best wishes from Lithuania, thank you for standing by us!

[@TheMatx73]

Beautifully made video! Cheers from Lithuania

[@lukaszk9004]

Cheers from Poland Brother!

[@mysterywalker1621]

Lots of respect for Lithuania as a country. They dont playaround 👍 Love from 🇸🇪

[@sickbale]

This documentary is a masterpiece of journalism. Very well done!

[@user-bc8th1ul8x]

it's propaganda

[@sickbale]

@@user-bc8th1ul8x ok bot n. 98954869034860349586983457390

[@anaducksftw2520]

the simple fact that you said "don't believe me, go do your research" at the end of the video gives you added credibility in my mind. I feel like we should challenge each other more to go do the research, because it is so easy for people to get comfortable with their sources and just accept what they are being told. I enjoyed the insight you've gained and provided! Perhaps I will go do some additional research to corroborate this information. Bravo.

[@IL0VeHerForever]

Why is this not as viewed as it needs to be. Just wow. Amazing documentary

[@kazkaskazkas8689]

True. 👍 My only complait is what I have for most English speakers - it's not pronounced 'Pew-tin', but more like 'Poo-tin' 😅 But it's no biggy.

[@simplyruben3184]

it literally launched four hours after your post, do you expect the video to have blown up in such a short timeframe? besides that it is about a topic which in an of itself is a niché so as a result its views are automatically lower then mainstraim topics.

[@globaladdict]

@@simplyruben3184 it's because there's no tits or explosions. Lol. It is a good segment tho

[@ColVedo]

German commander gave me chills, good job

[@mossychops]

Rishi Sunak opened a NAFFI on the battlefield? (Kabbalism)

[@1346crecy]

A bit mate, however, just think he missed a huge opportunity by not wearing a monocle?

[@realitygaming4088]

My dad was in the british army and with nato troops on exercises in Germany said Lithuanian, american and polish troops are all very well tuned in trained soldiers glad to have them on our side 🇬🇧

[@Mtrix3345]

Great journalism. Keep up the good work and know that You Sir are always welcome in Poland.

[@simonmassey8850]

A great piece of journalism to make people think and question the easy narratives. Well done.

[@AlbertCloete]

Also NATO's most beautiful point. The landscape there is gorgeous.

[@viliusmarcinkevicius4747]

Right on, welcome to visit any time! I am really happy to be living here, despite all the projections of possible conflict in the area.

[@kordell9864]

@@viliusmarcinkevicius4747 right on the money about it being projections. Poland has Nukes so why would Russia invade knowing it would be destroyed in return? Quite stupid people believe Russia will move further than Ukraine and not be annihilated by nukes from they very moment they step foot on NATO soil.

[@patrykszumski8076]

Greetings from Suwałki ! :)

[@SteadyRoosevelt]

How's it going friend? How's the weather there?

[@patrykszumski8076]

One of the coldest cities in Poland.

[@Trashste]

Amaizing video, can't wait to learn more about Lithuania.

[@martinkolar5716]

Very good documentry, good job. I case of Russian attack, Poland would go full blitzkrieg mode.

[@dickbison]

You can count on it.

[@user-cs6jq6qm4w]

LOL, какой блицкриг???? Вам жопа🤣

[@martinkolar5716]

@@user-cs6jq6qm4w Its something you dont know how to do.

[@dickbison]

@@user-cs6jq6qm4w Fighting russians is easy, they are cowards. You make loud noise and they run away like rats.

[@bramgiraffe4135]

Amazing shots, great editing, real content. Keep this stuff up!

[@paulmoore4344]

Seriously impressed with the professional quality and content of this video, and I agree with Col. Vedo except, chills are running down my spine for everything I just watched, I'm British but it still scared me thinking I could be on the wrong end of these warriors.... and Merry Christmas (i'm off to find a Teddy Bear to cuddle 😁😂 )

[@salembeeman370]

What an outstanding video. So professional. You have earned a new subscriber!

[@Daniel_Parke]

Perfect point for the end of the video and an outstanding piece of work in general👍👍

[@lewhem5683]

Once again a well put-together informative doc, Joe. You're born for this... shame about your CoD KD, but this, you're talented! Interesting AF.

[@busboy262]

As an American, I this that was a good look at a country that I know little about. Thanks I do disagree that anyone in NATO (maybe the globe) thinks that Poland would stand still. They have a ferocious force and are well prepared. If any nation knows what's at stake in a conflict with Russia, it's the people of Poland. Their time in the USSR left a scar. And this is likely the same as any nation in E Europe that shares some of Poland's experiences with Russia or the USSR during 20th century.

[@gOnzoLT]

This was great documentary mate 👌 I love how you present it. You're a true journalist!

[@math1ass10]

Love from latvia

[@JR-gp2zk]

I think the best way to solve this problem is for Poland and Lithuanian to buy Kaliningrad from Russian. It sounds crazy in 2021, but may be possible in 2023.

[@Wolny248]

Nope. Czechia should buy Kralovec.

[@jerryle379]

That kinda stupid no one will sold land now day , that like trump wanted to buy green land from Denmark 🤣

[@tierdropp7544]

After the Fall of the Soviet Union, when Russia desperately needed Money, they actually offered Kaliningrad to Germany in Return for Money or a Loan. But Germany refused (for good Reason, as only 1% of the Population there today is German. And incorporating East Germany first was their priority).

[@danielleeming1027]

That's stupid - not gonna happen

[@rumrain838]

They will never sell that city, that's insane you even think its a option

[@martendschrage]

It's amazing to see how much the Prabrade training area has increased over the last few years. Only a few years ago it was just some small and a lot of woods.

[@markarcher4695]

A great video with some very well made points. I agree with the checking sources of information and not just taking one source as being definitive.

[@maynard789]

First video I saw from your channel... Instant subscribe and bell. Awesome content!

[@burt1978]

It's not a gap, it's a trap. Lakes, swamps and forests.

[@rainieresguerra4780]

Judging from the Russian military's performance in Ukraine, there's no real possibility that russian tanks would survive an attempt to cross NATO's weak gaps anywhere.

[@bighands69]

Russia does not have a skilled military nor is it technologically advanced but what it does have is numbers and kinetic force. In WW3 Russia would lose the war but still inflict a lot of damage.

[@stonecreek94]

Heard that 80 years ago

[@holeef...v2994]

And have no ammo.... lol

[@nik6920]

@Max Stonecreek USSR won thanks to the Lend Lease deliveries. If the USA wasn't involved, then Russians would have been living now beyond Ural mountains

[@user-cs6jq6qm4w]

🤣ошибаешься, у русских кроме танков есть еще и подводные лодки, много лодок и самолетов)))))))

[@chibuzornwankwo4115]

Love your work, looking forward to seeing and engaging more. Thank you 🤝🏿

[@sigis72]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video, great stuff! I served 4 years in the Lithuanian Army and have participated in some of these joint exercises years ago. We only wish for freedom and peace, but unfortunately our neighbour is russia so were basically the frontier where civilization ends and the barbarians start

[@im_flat]

What's Vilnius like? Been meaning to take a vacation to visit the Baltics one of these days.

[@sigis72]

@@im_flat I'm not from Vilnius but i really like it, the old town is beautiful and there is loads of culture and night life. To me it has a western feel to it in the best kind of way.

[@jamezonpontique3731]

I could copy-paste that whole post, but I served >1 year in the Finnish Defence Forces. Together we’re strong!

[@im_flat]

@@jamezonpontique3731 I got a few friends from Tampere, where're you from?

[@DisGruntled311]

The true path to our Baltic partners is not the gap. We can hold it of course. But the way forward is to go through Kalingrad. If we are at war with Russia, then we are at war. That threat laying within the Baltics on the coast and on Polands border has to be dealt with.

[@fidenemini111]

Sure.

[@rcktsctst]

Well done! More please.

[@8888shooter]

👌👍.. really interesting video, very informative. This is better than the Force's News videos. This is nicely presented, and I like the reporter he explains things clearly. Keep up the great work, guys. 👏📸

[@DougGrinbergs]

Thanks for the insight! Hoping for the best 🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇵🇱🇺🇦

[@robertprice5039]

My grandfather's family was from this region. A cousin in Suwalki keeps a pair of bags packed with clothes and passports at all times for her and her daughter, just in case something goes down.

[@buffewo6386]

Never a bad idea. No matter where you live.

[@jankos5498]

I live in Suwałki. I have food hidden in the surrounding forests. I also built a dugout hidden in an inaccessible place. I know the area very well. If necessary, I will obtain weapons from the enemy. The enemy will not have it easy. There are many people like me.

[@BigOz]

Since Finnland and Sweden joined NATO, the suwalski gap is no problem anymore. Russia checkmates themselves

[@blaskitrzask]

biggest russian lose in this war so far.

[@simonsezo2328]

You do really good work man and It's always a pleasure to see these videos.

[@elijahhacks6399]

Fair assessment from narrator. Honesty is powerful.

[@jaxvoice718]

It WAS a vulnerability a decade ago, before the NATO tripwire was set up. Baltic states could be occupied much faster than they could be reinforced. Baltic states themselves of little value to Russia, but NATO losing territory, or at least being relatively weak, could be valuable in a broader strife with NATO. That was back then. Now it is more like a pressure point. With the entire Baltic Sea a NATO lake, Russia is the weak one out. Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg are practically surrounded. They wouldn't be attacked obviously, but even the threat to the Baltic states wouldn't make sense anymore. While strategy during the Cold War and afterwards was effectively to try to hold out until Uncle Sam arrives, now the strategy would be to stop the Russians, and maybe even counterstrike.

[@bighands69]

The Baltic states most certainly do have a strategic purpose to Russia so people should not be thinking Russia would do nothing.

[@escopablobar2629]

Very well done!

[@johntait491]

A well made, produced and interesting video. Thank you. 👍

[@rupertclark2795]

Nice work Joe!! Great video.

[@karstendoerr5378]

Such "holes" have always existed. What about the Fulda Gap? It's a term the U.S. forces used during the Cold War to describe the area near Fulda, close to the inner-German border. The Fulda Gap was characterized by the forested areas of the German low mountain range, as well as rapidly urbanized areas that grew rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s and thus might have required local combat. The Fulda Gap stretched from Herleshausen to Bad Neustadt an der Saale. At the fragile and "strategically vulnerable" Fulda Gap, NATO feared an advance by Warsaw Pact forces between two of its army groups and further into the hinterland of West Germany.

[@conradsz]

The name Suwalki Gap was clearly styled after Fulda Gap. The difference is the Suwalki Gap is really a land bridge between mainland (Poland) and peninsula (Baltic States), which makes it more difficult to defend.

[@tigertiger1699]

🙏 great and timely vid… We in the rest of the west .. need to listen up… learn from those that have had to learn from their past lessons at the hands of Russia..

[@user-cs6jq6qm4w]

Ждите в гости! Скоро и к вам прийдем)))))))) Учите историю, настоящую, а не ту, которую вам в голову вкладывают, а история говорит, русские всегда побеждают))))

[@01karmacop]

Fantastic and thanks for your service.

[@ChipasPeter]

Thanks👍 👍 👍 👍

[@jakhaughton1800]

I used to drink with two old Latvians who had fought in the Nazis Army against Russia. They knew what it was like to live under the Russians and Stalin after Hitler and Stalin split Poland in two. When Operation Barbarossa kicked off the Nazis bypassed the Baltic states. But as the Russians retreated loads of them were killed by the locals. Needless to say that when the Russians started moving back many Baltic states people joined Hitler’s forces as they knew what was coming plus revenge would be on the Russian minds. My two friends fought back to Berlin then legged it to surrender to the British Army.

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

You've got some interesting friends there. Nazis. Here, you've spelled it out yourself. I bet if Nazis came back to power in Germany Western world would simply join them.

[@RoninTF2011]

@@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040 Oh look, an idiot with no sense of history spotted...

[@snowsnow4231]

Poland was a fascist state between the world wars, average salary in Central Poland was 39 zloty and 11 in eastern, rendering non-polish population as second class citizens. Poland was openly hostile towards Belarussians, Ukrainians and Lithuanians. USSR and Stalin returned Lithuanians Vilnus and gave Ukrainians Lviv back. Workers actually had a gasp of fresh air after USSR took over, with the only unhappy ones being the oppressing classes, the top 1%. Jak, are you top 1%? Then why do you suck their ass so hard? Your friends fought the wrong enemy. Munich, Essen, Berlin 1919 - Bavarian Socialist Republic - those were the real heroes, standing up for injury compensations, 8 hour working day and holidays. The rights you enjoy today are only thanks to USSR and German Red Army.

[@RoninTF2011]

@@snowsnow4231 Oh look, another nationalist knuckledragger justifiyng genocide and wars of agression by victim blaming....

[@fidenemini111]

You need to see an Estonian movie 1944.

[@nadomedia]

As a Pole I would’ve preferred Kaliningrad being returned to Germany, given to Lithuania or become an international zone in 1991.

[@bighands69]

I am afraid that was fantasy at best but we can all dream. Russia was never going to give that up. NATO at that point was more worried about Russia descending into complete collapse and starting a nuclear war hence why such agreements were made. For us looking back we probably wished something else would have happened.

[@mateuszk6825]

international zone or independence sounds reasonable i know that its a wet dream of many Polish German and Lithuanian nationalists to claim Kaliningrad but it would only mean huge ethnic problems especially for Lithuania or forced deportation of over a million people many of whom lived there for generations at this point.

[@leeham1405]

Germany gave up that opportunity in order to create a unified Germany.

[@fidenemini111]

@@bighands69 After Ukraine (with NTAO help) lands Russia's nose against the ground nobody will care about Russia's opinion - nor Baltic States, nor Poland, neither China or Japan.

[@fidenemini111]

@@mateuszk6825 We can brotherly divide this small piece of Land. Lithuania would gladly take few kilometers of the sea shore, Poland can take the rest.

[@vigunfighter]

I Love that Keir Giles has Flashman books on his bookshelves! Very Cool! 8D

[@suskagusip1036]

Thank you for sharing. My kid told me he's walking in a forest. This must be the forest. Looks such a beautiful place. Praying for Peace and Love to All Mankind... Christmas in our hearts.💕

[@morrisse0_088]

Just because it is NATOs weakest point on the eastern flank doesn’t mean it’s weak. It just means that all the other points are even better defended

[@bighands69]

It also means it is an extremely difficult point to defend unless there is a large standing army there but if that were to happen Russia may freak out and think NATO is about to invade them.

[@death_parade]

@@bighands69 No need for a standing Army there. NATO prides itself on its strategic mobility, does it not? So why not leverage that in times of war and tensions instead of having a standing Army there?

[@j.erickson8571]

@@death_parade Debatable. NATO should be proud of its strategic mobility. But it will take hours to be there once the invasion starts. People and equipment would be slaughtered and land conquered before any measure be taken. These are serious risks and cannot be ignored.

[@death_parade]

@@j.erickson8571 Exactly. It will only take NATO hours to get there. Which is actually remarkable. Because any hostile forces would have to slowly build up over a couple of weeks at least before being able to attack. Mobilization and counter-mobilization is a very basic concept in military. Your enemy mobilizes, means you should counter-mobilize. If you counter mobilize fast enough, the enemy might lose the will or chance to attack. Cases in point: 2020 India-China skirmish and 2001 Indo-Pak standoff.

[@hphp31416]

kalningrad is also big problem for russia as it's completly covered by NATOs artillery

[@stevedavenport1202]

6:09 So cool. I had never seen the logic of infantry supporting an armored thrust before.

[@skuterixas91]

Gerai pohui @13:07 greetings from Lithuania

[@jamesbohlman4297]

Who would have thought that forests are a great way to bottle up a tank army? Foresters, man your crews, let's plant enough mixed species to keep the Ruskies out.

[@philliphall5198]

Americans learn a terrible lesson from Germany about fighting in the forest

[@jamesbohlman4297]

@@philliphall5198 there is still unexploded ordnance from the fall off 1944 in the forested portions of western Germany.

[@ABX-bb3jb]

suwalki gap?or kaliningrad island?after 2 hour-kenigsberg?:)

[@sirdiealot53]

Quality vids, subscribed :)

[@timmardon6161]

Excellent delivery of information thx.

[@Mahbu]

Weakest on Paper. In practice. . I don't expect much from Belarus. And we would definitely see any large buildup of Russian assets in Belarus well before they were prepared to do anything. Also, I think Kaliningrad has been kinda thinned out to help fight in Ukraine so it's not looking so weak anymore. Even less if Turkey pipes down and lets both Finland and Sweden into NAAAATO.

[@robertwillis4061]

I think Belarus will have a civil war if they were told by Putin to attack Ukraine. There has already been quite a lot of in-fighting within their armed forces. This partly due to there being a number of 2nd & 3rd generation Ukrainians in Belarus, who have family still in Ukraine and although in the Belarusian in military, their loyalty in split.

[@Mahbu]

@@robertwillis4061 I agree. If this wasn't the case, Belarus would've already joined the conflict by now. But the "last dictator of Europe", as he styles himself, knows how unpopular he - and the conflict - is right now. He recognizes how small his military is and how poorly equipped and trained it is.

[@dannyrocks7748]

Also I think Belarus knows that if they up there involvement anymore then they are deemed a legitimate target, we saw the protests there a while back that were violently put down with the help of Russia so maybe the time is right for NATO to intervene there and give the people the democracy they want. With regards to Turkey my opinion is they are sitting on the fence one day they hate the west the next day they hate Russia.. if push comes to shove.. remove them from NATO, Sweden and Finland shouldn’t even need turkeys approval

[@robertwillis4061]

@@dannyrocks7748 Turkey or more correctly Erdegon forgets that Turkey joined NATO 70years ago for protection against The USSR. Ok that has never stopped trade or friendship - but it is ment to limit military actions. Maybe Turkey needs to decide which way it wants to go. West or North? They constantly play both sides to suit themselves . Turkey as a single member should NOT have a veto to any other country joining. And especially due to their activities against the Kurdish.

[@Bjorn96_]

@@robertwillis4061 do you mean the same Kurds perpetrating terror acts inside their country almost every year killing dozens if not hundreds of Turks? Or are you some sort of terrorist apologist? Erdogan should send all those Kurdish communists to hell where they belong!

[@erikitter6773]

The problem is that imperialism does not need to work to get great wars. Invading Ukraine was more insane than overrunning the Baltic states (before Nato reacted strengthening the region reacting to the Russian invasion of Ukraine). If you have nuclear weapons you can do a lot of dumb shit and just retreat to your own borders and declare you'll nuke forces counter-attacking. Nuclear weapons allow you to wage wars of aggression without fear to lose territory -- if you are less risk averse than the other nuclear powers.

[@kazkaskazkas8689]

Sadly, yes. They can also be considering a hybrid attack involving an "accident" in that nuclear plant in Belarus which they conveniently built on the border with Lithuania. They don't care if parts of Lithuania and Belarus will be contaminated as long as it opens them the gap.

[@bakker071]

So why did Europe convince Ukraine to destroy their nuclear weapons, coincidence?

[@kazkaskazkas8689]

@@bakker071 The West was generally afraid of the fall of the Soviet Union. Especially the possibility that instead of one superpower with nuclear weapons there would be multiple countries with them - a less predictable situation. They might start wars or sell those to terrible regimes or even terrorists... So they put a lot of effort in the early 90's was to remove nukes and long range missiles from other former republics and give them to Russia as the successor of the USSR. Seemed like a good option at the time 😬

[@bighands69]

It may not have been insane from the Russia point of view. They have been invaded dozens of times and are one generation away from not actually being able to defend their own borders due to their population decline. So for Russia it may have been all or nothing. Us in the west may see it as madness and illogical.

[@bakker071]

@@kazkaskazkas8689 120 billion of first grade military equipment, is that a good idea now?

[@cadmdhpro8779]

High quality footage ! Congrats !

[@Amped4Life]

Your channel is amazing. Deserves more followers! I have been with you for awhile now and so enjoy your work. Keep it up! Stay safe. Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava 🇺🇦

[@CarlElwell]

Well done, you could put that video on the history channel. Keep up the great work.

[@richardn2129]

History channel.... you are dumb as hell.

[@eltonlouiewolf-wilson8345]

I am an American and We are NATO. Every inch of territory in each member state was bought with blood and we must honor those sacrifices for freedom and democracy! I look forward to the day when Ukraine is a full member of NATO but for now, they are still our brothers and sisters in the fight for freedom from autocracy!

[@isabelleg9118]

The interestingly shaped monument is a style. Thanks for this report. Great to be able to visualize what the landscape actually looks like.

[@rwburdett]

Good reportage. On the ground and the academics; Keir Giles has credentials as much as the CO of 2 Rifles.

[@joekev27]

I really wonder if this is where my family is from because my last name is Suwalski and Suwalki is incredibly close lol. I've never seen something so close before.

[@hubi4888]

It's possible you had some ancestor living there and his surname was based on the place he lived in

[@remixed-buzz5073]

I wouldn’t say this is a weakness with Finland abs Sweden joining

[@ketilitek]

With that humble note at the end, the creator has my sincerest respect.

[@armed_but_blind2768]

The outro about checking facts and sourcing information from multiple places is spot on. So much disinformation on things.

[@fod1855]

I like that Kaliningrad is already encircled haha

[@3tektv646]

And NATO hasn't the balls to do shit.

[@fod1855]

@@3tektv646 Why would NATO do anything…? Despite what Russia may tell you, NATO is a defence pact…

[@3tektv646]

@@fod1855 Why is already encircled so important? Despite what NATO tells you, they can't do anything.

[@fod1855]

@@3tektv646 I was joking...Kaliningrad is geographically encircled by NATO countries. What do you mean they can't do anything? If Russia attacks a NATO country, every member goes to their aid, NATO would wipe Russia of the face of the earth in a matter of days. Rather embarrassing that Russia has been repelled by Ukraine...

[@wiseguy2962]

@@fod1855 Russia is full of sh*t

[@ricardosmythe2548]

Nato doesn't have a weak point. Nato as a group can't be beaten by any force on earth anywhere on earth. There advantage is overwhelming

[@claudiafrederik6437]

Yeah true say but they couldn’t resist Afghanistan ???? It’s not true , never underestimate your opponents in war

[@ricardosmythe2548]

@@claudiafrederik6437 Pulling out of Afghanistan was a choice. Do you really believe the US and its allies had to leave because of the Talibans almighty power? 🤣 Come on, get serious. They were there to start with because it was a geo political power play and they left for the same reason. Look at Afgan before and after the war and take a look who's around the country.

[@claudiafrederik6437]

@@ricardosmythe2548 nah the truth is , USA lost a lot of its members in a war where they realised its best to leave , also no benefit for them and nato . Anyways mate the truth wins always

[@ricardosmythe2548]

@@claudiafrederik6437 the war in Afgan ranks 9th in term of US casualties and in the last years before the US's pull out casualties dropped to near zero (all a matter of record). That occurred because Trump had made it clear to the Taliban what would happen if it continued. The truth will always win.

[@Rumpel_Stiltskin]

Awesome.

[@Shinbusan]

Thank you

[@generaczarnypiatek9567]

The Suwałki Gap is not the most important area to be conquered by Russia, nor is it the most vulnerable section of the front. 1) There are no roads that could lead from Belarus to Kaliningrad 2) It is relatively easy to defend. The situation is different on the Lithuanian side. There, due to the fact that Lithuania was the territory of the USSR, the roads from Belarus to Kaliningrad lead through Lithuania.

[@mp1335]

Right, but it's also worth mentioning that the Lithuanian side of the gap is longer. On the Polish side it's about 60km+. On the Lithuanian side it's 90km+ between Kaliningrad and Belarus in the shortest possible direction(which has forests, swamps, lakes). The roads that go between Kal and Bel are not straight. They wiggle around lakes and forests and deeper into Lithuania before turning to Kaliningrad. This is also where Lithuania has their combat engineer and special operations groups stationed to cut off/destroy/mine those small roads. So there's no truly easy route.

[@virgaslt]

Yes there is roads through Lithuania , but not in the Gap area .. so creates difficulties as well .

[@tokul76]

There some small town on main road between belarus and kaliningrad. Town name starts with Vi

[@Mr.DalekLK]

Germany is NATO's weakest point.

[@mikekilo773]

Yeah.. no

[@Cheiff117]

Explain?

[@Mr.DalekLK]

Many German soldiers in conversations with journalists, in opinion polls, answered that in the event of a war they would not fight. In addition, German equipment is of worse quality than Russian, the German Army looks more like the police after how can you trust the Germans if they have already sold other countries to Russians a few times? Suwałki Gap will be defended by US, Polish and Lithuanian troops in case of war. Poland and Lithuania have been preparing for defense since the 90s, so it is not such a weak point compared to Germany, which would like peace at all costs. This is only my opinion and the opinion of the inhabitants of Central and Eastern Europe. And in addition, let's not forget that there are a huge number of agents from China and Russia in Germany. Even in leading parties like CDU and SPD, many deputies are pro-Chinese and pro-Russian.

[@mikekilo773]

@@Mr.DalekLK I am a German soldier and there is a lot of bullshit in your comment.

[@danLTa1]

@@mikekilo773 why did he said that comrade

[@jasons44]

Dam good work, U have a new viewer !

[@yodason1717]

Very good document. Thx

[@mikedevlin2048]

I have no doubt the Baltic states can be relied on in the event of Russian aggression… on the other hand, I am less than convinced that German and French politicians can be relied on…

[@dannyrocks7748]

I think they will be able to hold ground long enough for there allies to reinforce positions 😊

[@andresilvasophisma]

Kaliningrad is a weak point too, without it bye bye navy.

[@ponz-]

I truly like this channel

[@valdazis]

Excellent piece of content.

[@anonymous2513456]

Kalliningrad is a territorial anomaly and the NATO would do well to return it to it's rightful owners (by removing the Russians from it by blockade). Having a belligerent enemy with the morals and ethics akin to Imperial Japan nestled in amongst the NATO eastern flank is a real problem. Russia took Crimea for similar reasons.

[@alh6255]

However, there would be a problem with jurisdiction, because from a historical and legal point of view, this area could be claimed by both Poland and Germany (these areas belonged to the Kingdom of Poland, it was also part of Prussia for a long time, which was a Polish fief for 350 years, and then this area was part of Germany). What's more, at the Potsdam Conference in 1945, these area was awarded to Poland (in exchange for its contribution to the defeat of Germany and the lands that the USSR took from Poland in the east,) but the USSR simply broke these arrangements, and Russia continues to break them too (it also does not return the works of art stolen in Poland in 1944-1947, which you can see in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg... )

[@tibchy144]

I've spoken to a colonel of a NATO member army who confirmed that in case of NATO - Russia conflict the Baltic states are indefensible in the initial stages of war and will be occupied, acting as a shock absorber. In later stages they can be retaken but by that point the damage will be done.

[@stevefairbanks835]

Bullshit, that was prior to the Ukraine war, we now know what a towering pile of shite the Russian military is. Wouldn’t happen today

[@j.erickson8571]

True. Not much can be done about that. That's the importance of the air defenses and land force to be deployed as soon as possible when that happens.

[@tizek2]

beautyful ending. wise man. ❤

[@batuhanefe6911]

its amazing content appricated mate