War in Ukraine stokes fears in Baltic states | DW News
Вставка
- Опубліковано 24 жов 2024
- The war in Ukraine is being viewed with particular fear in the tiny Baltic states. Like Ukraine, they were once part of the Soviet Union and fear Russia might try to annex their territory too.
Latvia, for example, shares a sizeable border with Russia. Many here now feel constantly under threat. DW's Juri Rescheto visited a village in western Latvia to find out how Russia's war is affecting daily life. He found security concerns are not the only problem facing local residents.
Subscribe: www.youtube.co...
For more news go to: www.dw.com/en/
Follow DW on social media:
►Facebook: / deutschewellenews
►Twitter: / dwnews
►Instagram: / dwnews
►Twitch: / dwnews_hangout
Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: / dwdeutsch
#WarinUkraine #Latvia #Russia
Latvian here. Everyone is talking about high prices and inflation. But noone remembers the fact that we had only two choices. West or East. The Eastern choice was having the war here that The Ukranians are having now, and SUCH LITTLE THINGS as inflation and expensivness would seem as a paradise compared to war. We picked the right path.
@@robo__cop8154 Said the guy not living here.
So enjoy😂
@@robo__cop8154 They're part of the EU, so that won't happen. It'll be happening in Russia though, so they might want to tighten up the borders a lot more.
@@josephineamawiafe9428 Yes, I enjoy the open banks very much, thank you.
@@robo__cop8154 Your brain is as same bad as your English, sorry kiddo 😜.
Greetings from Ukraine! Appreciate enormous support from Baltic states. When war ends will visit each of them!
Greetings from Boston. I look forward to visiting Ukraine once you kick the orcs out! Until that day my friend, here’s a missile.
Mind Begs the Question:
If in a World
X oppose occupation - Heroes
Y oppose occupation - Terrorists
World Governed by - Righteous,Evil?
Stay strong, brothers. We root for you - have been - and will continue to do so as long as it takes. Greetings from Latvia.
The countries were not part of the Soviet Union. They were occupied by the Soviet Union.
Then SU never existed.
Like the others
@@pavelslutsky3114 it did. But it was a dictatorship stranguleting neighbour countries. Putler is trying to make it happen again.
@@tosa305 Putin started war because could't settle the problem of russian people inside ukrainian state.
Yes, DW glossed over the inconvenient fact that the Baltic states were independent prior to WW2 and occupied by the USSR.
DW's subtle inference that Germany considers them expendable.
As a Lithuanian Its true that everything is more expensive, but we live good relatively speaking, I think most people in "western Europe" and US would be surprised. We all know why this is happening, okay maybe 95% of us know and we stand with Ukraine until victory. If Ukraine losses its going to be a lot worse, so Ukrainians are fighting for us too. Because of that we are really thankful to Ukraine and Ukrainians, Slava Ukraini!
The three baltic states are great! And they have nothing to fear since pootin is currently useless. Even FSB is preparing a coup to throw him out. He will have the same fate as Mussolini.
Ukraine fighting for you ? nope, they are fighting for USA's interest. When Ukraine is pure russian allies in 1991-2014, nothing happened to your country. But when US helps Ukr coup, everything much worse.
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO USA:
South Korea, Taiwan, Kosovo.
These are all distractions.
Putin feels very under pressure because of the words I chose to use yesterday.
Give Germany with the whip. Wake up the French, deny them their baguettes for breakfast, next year the grain won’t be going there, it will be going somewhere else than France.
It’s time to go to war. We have to give an example to Xi, Vuvic and Kim.
Дякую❤
You're already losing
Russia doesn't know its borders. Putin has said - "there's no end to Russia" and that's how Russians generally feel. Lai dzivo Latvija (i'm from LT). Slava Ukraini, Ukraine must win and it will. My whole heart goes to Ukraine. I would agree to suffer more economic hardship if it could help Ukraine.
Lets talk about how things actually were. Not part of Soviet "Union".. occupied by Soviet Russia
they was a part of russian empire, ~20 years of independence between world wars and 30 years of independence after collapse of soviet union. look more like rebellious provinces, and whole western world support of military suppression of rebel provinces.
Thats a good journalist by the way, reminding that Soviet Union wasnt the only coutry occupying Latvia
Taxed and raped by the Soviets, that seems accurate.
@@Havanorange once again, accurate is "taxed and raped by germans, sweds, poles and soviets".
@@grindingpancake The point was, they were not in union with Soviets but rather were occupied by Soviets.
"in the tiny baltic states". Really? Come on. One glance at European countries sorted by landmass should not be too much to ask for. You wouldn't say "tiny Switzerland" or "tiny Netherlands". No need to use it here either.
@@garrusvakarian8709 No. Switzerland actually has a respectable military and is highly defensible terrain. If you think it would fall easily to an invader, you'd be very surprised.
Well they are small, my country can fit the three of them like four times or five
For the same reason that DW didn't mention that the Baltics were independent prior to WW2 (hence implying that they're naturally Russian), that DW ignored that the Baltic states are NATO members, and by saying "tiny" they imply that they would be no big loss.
If you believe that Germany would spend one pfennig for the Baltics, think again.
Germany has been a poor NATO contributor ever since Russian troops moved away from the German border.
Really. Tiny Switzerland. It’s small.
That’s your entire takeaway from this? That’s pathetic.
Referring to GDP and the declining population I presume.
Hi from Latvia. We stand together with our allies and Ukraine!
you'll only stand with ukraine as long as you can afford i the moment you start suffering you'll stop supporting and demand the sanctions be removed .it will be funny to see you change your tune shortly
and we stand with you! -USA
@@robo__cop8154, we will stand with them until the end, no matter how hard it would be for us. Putin's Russia needs to be defeated at any cost, and we will continue demanding for more sanctions.
Hi from Australia . We stand together with our allies and Ukraine!
It kā tavs komentārs kaut ko līdzēs
It's pretty much would be suicidal for the Russians to open a second front. A direct confrontation with NATO would be game over for them.
right, because Putin thought this out so well?
*find and listen Scott Ritter or Col. Douglas MacGregor as you have no idea what you are talking about*
@@elbibwen3019 I've no idea? Ok! Tell me how this would play out Mr expert?
Are you so confident and doesn't the rules of war say that you shouldn't underestimate your opponent.
You are wrong because there is no such things as logic in Russia.
I'm from Lithuania. Nothing changed since we seperated in 1991. We were always suspicious and took precautions. Like building a LNG terminal in Klaipeda
Paying for LNG is the stupidest thing your government has done… imagine paying triple for gas and agreeing 😂😂😂😂
good for you. The rest of us should have followed your example.
@@Richking213 Better to pay even 10 times more than be part of russia shi* hole, you silly bot 😛.
@@Richking213 Imagine s***** Putin's co** and agreeing
@@Richking213 the stupidest thing, is being Russian and liking it
No mention in the story that Latvia is a NATO member and thus protected by Article 5 against outside attack. Did no one at DW think this point was relevant to include? The story was that the Latvian people are fearful. Do they not have confidence in the NATO alliance? If not, why?
Justified questions. Also note that they report from only Latvia but extend the information to Estonia and Lithuania. Despite the common (mis)understanding, the three countries are different. Also, I, as an Estonian, would say that it is not fear but contempt and despisal towards Russia.
Keep in mind that the war is devastating to Ukraine. An initial Russian offensive into one or more of the Baltic states will be devastating to the people there. Sure, NATO will defend but that won't stop all of the devastation. I can fully understand their apprehension.
For the same reason that DW didn't mention that Latvia was an independent nation prior to WW2.
Because, frankly, the Germans would rather see them go than get involved.
@@hunt8619 Latvian here. I agree and don't really understand what they wanted to tell with this video. That weaver they shoved in the first half is the only provider for his family and is wining about prices and lack of russian buyers at the same time has a quite large peace of land, at least 4 children, at least one car and is building a big house... Very far from poor I would say...
@@samc9156 But if they did attack, they would lose badly to OTAN, so they will not attack.
Myself and most of my Latvian compatriots can enlighten everyone on what the "blyats" did to our intellectuals parents and grandparents.
Let me tell you a story about how the bright future of our country was shipped away in a cattle train to Siberia. On a more personal note there's something I'll remember until the end of my days. Back in 1991, a day or so after regaining independence my grandmother took my mother to Riga where with tears in her eyes she laid flowers on Independence monument. My point is that despite how bored of democracy many appear to be nowadays, ultimately there's no other model of governance as durable and permissive of progress as democracy.
Russia has shipped tens of thousands of Ukrainian families off to Siberia never to be seen again. Basically, it's genocide.
@philgee7249 Ukrainian people are fighting for what we do not appreciate enough. All of our ancestors who've been intimately familiar with indoctrination and ethnic cleansing can provide personal accounts on what it means to be subjugated to so-called "denazifiers".
I've been in Riga in April and it made think that even Kyiv has probably fewer Ukrainian flags than the capital of Latvia. It just shows how the Latvians understand well who Russia is and what this war means for their country as well. Suport for Ukraine is high and I have a high respect for your people. Slava Latvia and Slava Ukraine!
US Army.. retired now.. spent 9 months in Latvia as your NATO support. I can assure you that the US sincerely has your back. Our entire reason for being in Latvia was to give the USA the reason to quickly respond on your behalf if Russia takes an aggressive move into Latvia. Having US troops in combat with Russia, is a guarantee of IMMEDIATE US support. Sure, NATO treaty demands the US would help anyway.. but you can guarantee if US troops are in harms way.. you would get a serious, immediate, US presence in force quick enough to make Moscows f’n heads explode.
Loved my time there, by the way. Riga was a cool city.. the beach at Jurmala was cool.. Latvia is a very nice place and the people were great too. All the Baltic states were. We trained with all their troops and everyone was top notch. Glad we’re all on the same team and have each others backs. I only wish we could do more to help the Ukrainians. I truly admire their fighting spirit to protect what’s good in their country. They deserve all our support
All my life, or about 31 years, Russia was always the unpredictable neighbor. If Latvia wouldn't join EU and NATO, we would be already annexed by Russia.
We are not going to fight for you if Russia invades. Ukraine war proves NATO is toothless
Rusisa throughout all my life was one single the most predictable country, they said same things since Putin was in power. They policy was predictable their stance on issues and foreign politics. What was unpredictable?
Russia Was Not Forced out from Finland nor from Latvia,...
Russia is the Mother
If Lativa misbehaved against Russia like Ukraine (which wanted to bring US bases) or Lithuania (which tried to blockade Kaliningrad), it is predictable Russia will annex you.
@@johnadam2885 Russia is always the More Civilized Country
in this conflict, in Afghanistan, .. all the way to WWII & back
Merry Christmas sir
Same here in Moldova. So long as Ukraine stands, we're all be fine. Слава Украiне! ✊🏻😎🇺🇦🇲🇩🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇬🇪
Brainwashed, you want ukraine fight and die people there, while you sit in your home typing useless comments thathas 0 impact, you don't want to war end. But i want, if i were president i would end war in week and propose with Russia some solutions not endless war.
Ya boy General Zaluzhny said unless they get that phantom army made of tanks, howitzers and IFV's its a wrap.
if moldave are afraid to be next or as long ukraine stands, then why other countries around Russia don't help Ukraine?
@@birdymaniac the democratic countries around Russia are helping Ukraine, like the Baltic countries. Some of the other countries are in a military alliance with Russia , the CSTO , however none of them are supporting Russia militarily so in a way they are supporting Ukraine not helping the Russians. The only country who supports Russia logistically is Belarus because their President stole the election and got to power with the support of Russia.
@@birdymaniac They do
In Lithuania Polish community is very much adapted, as Lithuanian community in Poland. Now Russian population in Latvia is a different animal all together. Even when Latvian Russians migrate to the west they often stay in their own circles, I noticed.
Yeah just to stay away from people like you who have a preconceived notion that Russians are evil! They mind their own until they are attacked!
Russian people aren't monster. They shared similar culture with Baltic states. Only Putin and his cronies are evil, they're hellbent to dominate and control.
There are actually issues with financing Lithuanian schools in Poland (Suvalkiai region). Ever since the great powers devided those countries as they saw fit there been problems with minorities... I hope EU will one day become a united entity so that those issues will be resolved.
As a Latvian, I do not share the same sentiment as a person featured in the video (a bit of doom & gloom) and I'm certain that is not the mainstream sentiment. Yes, things have become more expensive but if you have to choose between war and adjusting to new (more expensive) reality I am pretty sure the absolute majority will choose latter. Also, I have to mention - it is so heartwarming reading all those words of support from people around the world. We are on the right side of history, which I never doubted but still nice to be reassured.
the attitude of russia's neighbors towards russia tells me all i need to know about russia.
It’s a good thing to know and maintain the right attitude! Just don’t poke the bear
@@josephineamawiafe9428 No one's poking the bear. The bear has left its cage and blundered into Ukraine -- that's the problem.
@@josephineamawiafe9428
A paper bear.
@@josephineamawiafe9428 here's a good rule ot thumb:
If 1 neighbor calls you an *sshole, he's the problem. If most of your neighbors call you an *sshole, you're the problem.
@@josephineamawiafe9428 that bear are getting pounded in the ground you d*mbass.
Im American and my wife, daughter and all my friends are Latvian. I lived in Sigulda for 4 years. If war comes, I'll fight and die for Latvia!
Îs She beautifull?
Sigulda is great, my family is from there
Good for you.
Support to Baltics for their Sovereign and territorial integrity from America 🇺🇸
Sir, it’s called Pax Americana 🇺🇸.
And I thought you were an US patriot.
🇱🇹❤️🇺🇸
Mind Begs the Question:
Deploying Weapons,Mercenaries
At USA doorstep - Security Threat
At Russias doorstep - not Security Threat?
@@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings When you install an alarm in your house, it's not a threat to your neighbor! But if your neighbor enters your house without your permission, alarm makes sense. NATO has always been the defense of our countries NEVER a force of aggression! If a country feels threatened by NATO, it means it has bad intentions.
Mind Begs the Question:
NATO,Corporates capable to Boycott
Russia over Ukraine/Petro Dollar
NATO,Corporates not capable to Boycott
China over Concentration Camps?
But Estonia,Latvia, Lithuania are NATO members👍
Putin may just be insane enough to seek for a shift win in the Baltics before NATO can intervene.
NATO - No Actions Talks Only 👍
@Max no action because Russia has not attacked a Nato country..if Russia did, you'll see plenty of action
@@Tam10101999 Unless they argue the eastwards NATO expansion was illegal 😁
@@MAXlMUS No, you’ll see action.
I love Latvia. ❤
Do you like latvian government?
Latvia is not the poorest country in EU get your facts straight.
It is one of. Look how many youth leaving Baltic countries for more developed Western ones, like Germany and France.
I really like Latvia. I hope we get to support each other and get out of this better as Europeans. Especially the Ukrainians and even the Russians.
I have friends in Ventspils and Riga.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
good for you
We are not afraid!!! It’s harder to live, but not afraid!
That is true. They take one local guy from a village in Latvia, and one foreign commentator from the capital of Latvia, and then extend what they say to the populations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Extremely simplistic approach. Our people are not afraid of Russia, but loathing Russia.
Stay strong Baltic European brothers and sisters! You are a great example of emancipation, braveness and attitude. Slava Ukraini from the Netherlands!
Naci ukraina
SPOT ON.
Is there any point in a weak and useless country like Netherlands (that cannot save Ukraine) to advise the Baltics that it will come to their defence ?
If the Baltics provoked Russia, as Lithuania did by attempting to blockade Kaliningrad, then Russia will sieze them, then what will Netherlands do ? Are you a superpower ?
If you provoke Russia, you will get a beating, regardless of Article 5.
@@johnadam2885 THE NETHERLANDS ARE WHAT LEFTIST SOFTTIES??
@@pravda9572 the truth (pravda) is there are far more fascists in Russia today, many of them are in the Kremlin.
It's incredible the tension Rússia generates at the civilization.
Being neighbours with Russia is not an headache... it's a freaking migraine!
The uzbeks are scared shitless of the day Putin comes up with an excuse to roll russian tanks through their territory.
Many former USSR now independent republics have had big chunks of their territory taken by Russia. Georgia alone lost almost 20% of it's territory to Russia.
Which tensions exactly? Which civilisation? Did Russia attack you and your family?
@@josephineamawiafe9428 In the last one hundred years the Russians have invaded Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Georgia and the Ukraine twice. What's your point?
@@josephineamawiafe9428 are you for real??? Which neighbours Russia didn't attack???
So true
It's crazy, some leaders start conflicts/wars even though they know it will cause more damage to their own country than it does good. I wish leaders spent as much time improving conditions for their people as they spend starting conflicts.
This is what happens when you let a man rule a country for 20 years. His ego becomes so big, he thinks he's above others and starts to build his "legacy". Putin has always wanted to rebuild the Soviet Union. His time is short and he knows it. This is why he took a gamble and fortunately for us, he lost.
I wish they could be held accountable.
aight, fugit.. it's actually crazy, some leaders start conflicts/wars even though they know it will cause more damage to their own country than it does good. I wish leaders spent as much time improving conditions for their people as they spend starting conflicts
It will always happened if the people allowed them to be their pawn.
They have no brain, its their mentallity...😡😵💫😑
War doesn't fear us. We are just realistic and watching with the open eyes and minds. As always since forever.
Mind Begs the Question:
Deploying Weapons,Mercenaries
At USA doorstep - Security Threat
At Russias doorstep - not Security Threat?
@@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings the USA a good record of promoting Peace within Europe. Russia’s record in Europe has been that of an aggressor to its neighbors as opposed to a partner in peace. So when you speak of European’s experience with both countries; the difference between the USA and Russia couldn’t be clearer.
latvia is nato no way they are going to play there
Russia cares less for Latvia 😂😂😂😂!
@@josephineamawiafe9428 that's why there are NATO member, and that's why Ukraine Finland and Norway want to be member of NATO and the rest of almost whole europe
Thanks friends for support Ukraine! We will win together! 🇺🇦♥️🌎🌏🌍💫🕊️
Both bot accounts created less than a year ago...
Least its not scamming like the rest
Go to Bakhmut, they desperately need you there. You'll earn yourself the title of a "hero" too.
@@MrTheguywiththemoney The bot will be happy to chat with you 🤡😂😂😂
Im not your friend ! AFRICA stands with Russia always never with 3rd World Ukraine 🤣
From Philippines will greet you Slava Ukraine, be strong and courageous
Tell ASEAN to become liberal democratic, too. And join Pax Americana.
So what is the origin of your sympathy and concern about Ukraine? Feeling threatened by China these days, I would suppose?
What is the feeling about kicking the United States out of the Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Field these days? Id that viewed as a mistake? No doubt very satisfying to Philippine nationalism at the time, but what about now? Perhaps it is easier to get rid of the United States than to get them back again?
One of life's little ironies, perhaps!
I am elementary at school then, take note not everyone dislike Americans
@@SeattlePioneer okay ivan
The worries of one man in one house is now representing the sentiment of all people of the Baltic states?
Exactly my thoughts, he speaks about completely different, about business
yes he says how the vast majority of the people feel
I’m in the UK and have no doubt we’d come to help our NATO ally 🇬🇧 🇱🇻
knock it off, the UK is a small island. If you get into a scuffle with the Russian federation. That Island will disappear.. stop it with the fuckery!!
Pretty sure Britain keeps a lot of personnel stationed in Estonia.
No we wouldnt, I personally would never fight for this non country
@@zyeet3243 I am pretty sure we dont have enough soldiers to stop the Russians without the US. Remember their ground troops cannot be guaranteed in Europe if one of them might be killed
@@Chris-pq3wp we see through your lies Russian agent
What beautiful rustic houses amid beautiful country! Well wishes for s peaceful 2023 in the Baltic states 🙏☮
Before the USSR (i.e. Russia) occupied the Baltic States in 1940, their living standard was on a par with that of Scandinavia.
Glory to Ukraine and brave Ukrainian people 🇺🇦
Glory to USA
So that you get an idea of how ridiculous this is, most russian neighbours have a russian speaking population after being invaded and russified so much. For comparasion, Portugal is completely surrounded by Spain, yet it is very rare to find someone who speaks Spanish in Portugal, unless they work in Spain or learned it outside school.
What is your point? That Russian residents should have no language rights! That is what caused war in Ukraine.
@@JA-pn4ji Can you specify what language rights Russians in Ukraine lacked?
Can't they mostly understand each other without formally studying Spanish/Portuguese, given that both descend from the same language?
Portugal and Spain are tradicional rivals, all the old kingdoms in the peninsula have their language to this day.
@@JA-pn4ji when in Rome do as the Romans. If the Russians want to be Russians then they can feck off back to Russia.
Another countries that can also fear Russia are Khazakstan, Moldova and Georgia.
All of them have some Russia-Related drama or have a high risk of getting one...
Kazakhstan doesn't fear anything. It is a vassal state of Russia.
Any country that oppresses it's Russian population should be worried. The situation in Georgia was swiftly resolved. I think the only thing Russia wants from Moldova is for them to pay the gas bill.
@@tadhgcronin175 Maybe the Russian population should return to Russia, if they don't like how their host country is treating them.
3:01 It wasn't a consensual "shared history" though, the Baltics do not just feel threatened now but have done for centuries through multiple occupations
Being fearful is resonable considering the neighbour, however it will all work out - though if Ukraine looses the situation will be less than optimal, so we must ensure that Ukraine prevails and that Russia understands that it should never again attempt to expand its borders by force.
Russia might well break up after Putin's demise. In Western Russia, the greater St. Petersburg region, stretching from the Finnish to the Estonian border, is the most likely to seek independence. Kaliningrad would follow.
@Unknown User
They will. Better late than never.
Looking at the size of Russia, do you think that it needs to expand its borders? No, it doesn't!
What Russia needs is to ensure its neighbours are not able to ever turn against it or to become weapons launching platforms against it.
What is happening in Ukraine right now is exactly that: ensuring that Ukraine will never be able to turn against Russia or to become a launching platform. Basically, Russia don't need the Ukraine's territory, but it is enough to devide it, reck it and destroy it on such a level, that it becomes a truly disfunctional state (not that it was a very functional state up until now).
Look at our lovely Vilnius
The Russians did not attack the Baltics and yet there is this fear of Russia attacking. Now put your shoe on the other foot, do you see that Russians are fearing about NATO intentions and could be attacking through the Ukraine, and hence can you blame them for making the first move ? Be honest, things works both ways, doesn't it ?
Russia most definitely can’t afford a second war 😆 they’re struggling with the one in Ukraine
@@sequenceofficial6141 That would presuppose the existence of rational thought in the Russian leadership. That seems to be in desperately short supply.
Has there ever been much rationale in the Russian way of doing things?
_Don't worry comrades! We haven't mobilised everyone yet._
this is one of the moments where you should notice how fals and manipulative news like these are. They are just about spreading fear and provocation. Its funny how easy it is to push humans into a direction of thoughs you want them to be.
For Russia the war is free. The European gas and oil and coal and uranium money buys a lot of Kaliber missiles.
Wow....Latvia is a beautiful place. Latvians, keep a keen eye open and be prepared.
As a person from latvia, I wish russia came here to save us, as the latvian government is very poor and corrupted, that somehow don't have enough money to help themselves, but have enough money to help ukraine
@@vladpoluektov2217 Careful for what you wish for. If they were there, you would be dragged off the street and thrown to the frontline in Ukraine. Are you disabled?
@@WayneTheSeine by then the war in ukraime could be over
Our company has strong ties with the Baltic states and especially Latvia so I know a lot of people there and I'm very close with 2 families. One of them is Latvian and the other Russian.
They, and many others, say that the vast majority of Latvian Rus are absolutely against what Russia is currently doing. However there is still a small minority of Latvian Rus who support it.
Then some need to go where they are more comfortable, if that's rally how they feel.
Just like about any other group in the world, it's almost like people have a mind of their own 🌞
Then they need to get out.
@@TesterAnimal1at your home, if someone has different opinion should they get out?
Lie, I am from Latvia, I don't know anybody who would be afraid. Russia not gonna fight two countries, it barely can keep up with Ukraine. The only problem id price of energy, but that's problem in whole Europe
Nedirs, ka nebaidies. Ieraugot cilvēkus sarautus gabalos un dzirdot raķetes sprāgstam ātri vien ūziņas būs jāmaina.
@@FVBmovies te neiet runas par to kas būtu, bet kas ir... nu bet labi, vismaz viens kurš baidās mums ir :D
Peace and prosperity to Latvians.
The Baltics are not immediately next on the Russian hit list if Ukraine loses, but they will come after Moldova. So yes, NATO or not they have every reason to be extremely worrried.
Baltic Countries are NATO countries.....NATO trip wire forces are already there....if Russia moves against any of those countries, Article 5, Troops from ALL NATO countries will be on their way. Air, Sea and Land. If Russia thinks it has a problem with Ukraine now......Oh Brother !
Slava Ukraine ❤🇺🇦😃👍
Russia only needs Moldova to pay its gas bill. Who on earth needs Moldova.
When Russia collapses, all neighbouring countries will feel so much reliefed and feel safe again. God, help us all to see it sooner! Victory to Ukraine!
There will be no collapse in Russia. The European Union far more likely. Another 3 long years of this war of attrition will be the end of the toxic European project.
Guys you make me laugh :))) how Russia is going to attack nato if they cant even win against Ukraina
They may not be the best army, but they sure do have surplus Nukes to attack NATO.
Baltic states are very small, about the size ruzzia was able to capture along the borders of Ukraine.
Lol Russia got more nukes than the entire NATO lol so they won’t F*** with Russia
@@fckyoutube6019 please. Who believes those nukes are still working? Which is more likely? Russia spent the money to maintain its inherited Soviet nuclear stockpiles for 32 YEARS or a guy who says, "I am not bluffing", is bluffing?
They're already fighting NATO in Ukraine so fighting NATO in the Baltic won't be something new to them since they know how NATO fights
I'm a simple Polish man.
I'm not afraid of anybody.
*Ukraine, Finland, Sweden, Georgia*
want join to NATO member.
I'm an American. Those Baltic countries shouldn't worry. Russia is struggling against Ukraine. Imagine what would happen if Russia faced a US-led NATO military.
If Canada along with Ukraine could if we had a couple aircraft carrier groups, and a million artillery shells we could topple Russia.
I dont know why they chose this particular family as example of anything. Such a unique business in the middle of woods. You could pick any other family and the story would be different.
Well you see there the real view of the boltiks. We aren't rich but we have food on the table and fire to worm our homes. Our houses aren't mansions full of luxury but they are ours and they are comfy. We are hard working people in the boltiks and a family from Ryga Vilnius or Tallinn wount show you the reality like we seen now. I say it's perfect!
@@gediminasnedzinskas2170 , no I know what you mean. I'm from Baltics myself. It's just weird for me that they chose out of town weaver as example of average person in Baltics and present him as a spokesperson of the whole region. There are a lot of people, who would say they don't feel economic toll, and there would be people, who would say they feel. They just chose such a unique story as a representation of 3 countries inside and outside of cities.
@@EastFame Well it would be nice if they spear some more time for filming more families like from all the boltiks and different regions. But we are just small countries that don't get that much attention 🤷♂️
Latvia is in NATO they're fine. Almost like a defensive alliance works.
If only someone had forseen this threat and came up with some sort of defensive Alliance to dissuade Russian aggression... 🤔
Under Obama, Putin was emboldened to grab up Crimea, and not much was done. Under Biden, Putin observed the weakness of Biden in abandoning Afghanistan, and invaded Ukraine, perhaps expecting another weak response. If so, he was disappointed, but Ukraine's independence is being purchased at the very high price of war.
By contrast, under Trump, Putin was GOOD AS GOLD! Why, do you suppose?
I suggest that had Trump been reelected in 2020, PEACE IN EUROPE would be continuing, as it did in Trump's term as President. No energy crisis, no food and fertilizer shortages.
Poor NATO. An empty suit.
We are not worried but we are concerned as we do know the real nature of russia and russians. With regards to NATO, we are quite assured that UK and USA would intervene in a russian-aggression scenario, however we have no faith in German and French military assistance. While it is understandable that Ukraine is not in NATO and legally Germany/France are not obliged to help them, however morally these countries should have been the leaders within EU in the effort to militarily support Ukraine. Instead this war has exposed German and French political weakness, indecision and cowardice. How can then we, or for the matter of fact, all other EU countries trust you? French president also talks about common EU defensive framework/EU army which is hysterical considering how Macron has conducted himself during this war.
Pathetic 😂😂😂😂😂
This should tell you, how in the event your leadership decides to be a pawn and allow themselves to be used to incite violence against Russia, there will be no UK ,US or NATO to help you 😂😂😂😂The nations you so trust in, cannot themselves even fight Russia! 😂😂😂😂oh how so pathetic! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@josephineamawiafe9428 You know, if you add just enough emoticons your argument becomes valid and robust.
i am really disappointed by Macron to be honest. As the leader of Europe's largest military power, this should have been his shining moment.
Macron.....a stuffed shirt busy running around desperately trying to make himself look important on the world stage. First out of the Taxi, last into the pub ! Fortunately, the rest of NATO and the free world is made of sterner stuff !
Slava Ukraine ❤🇺🇦
If anything, this war has taught us war is bad for the average person just trying to make a living and our economies are very interdependent.
Very, very true. It is the ordinary people who suffer the most. The elites who cause the wars profit and prosper. Zelensky is a very rich man now.
Latvia is NATO. Russia will not dare to put a single pair of boots on that ground.
Russia’s troll farm serfs are cope weeping even harder than usual this morning. 😂😅😂😅😂😅
it can't be easy being a russian troll these days. Imagine having to spend hours each day, trying to sell a narrative that is more and more detached from reality 😄
@@thegreatdane3627 They have so much in common with Trump supporters. xD
@@NZobservatory no kidding, i know a guy who used to be a q-anon believer, he is now a putin supporter instead 🙄
@@thegreatdane3627 Basically the same thing really.
If Ukraine had the same security guarantees Latvia has the war wouldn't have started, in retrospect the UK and Poland should have said the same thing they said about Finland and Sweden that if Russia attacked they would fight them outside NATO. from a Russian perspective because Ukraine was on its own it looked like a worthwhile risk to fight a war there.
Latvia they would be fighting 30 countries, attack Finland they would be fighting 4 countries the fins UK Poland and Sweden and one of those countries has nukes even though they wouldn't use them and you could have a conventional war if you add up .
I doubt Russia would attack Latvia
They would want to take the Lithuanian gap cutting off _Kaliningrad_ first. >>> But by this time they would be poised to fight Polish intervention during.
I, as a Ukrainian, will tell you about your remarkable thoughts. RUSSIA has been trying to capture a city with a population of about 30,000 people for half a year, what are you talking about if you said this on February 23, 22, then your words would be in place, and now I ask you THE TASK OF DEMOCRACY NOW HELP UKRAINE!!!
Estonia and Latvia would both be beneficial to Russian security in the Baltic.
If you are from a Baltic country, you don't need to be afraid, our countries will go to your help when Russia attacks. We are together! Support from Poland 🇵🇱
Yes. For those who don't know the history, Poles are very, very aware of the threat Russia poses.
History has shown us that Poland is not really good at war. The Germans and Russians gave Poland a terrible time. England did the same to Ireland. Poland and Ireland suffer to this day from past devastation to populations.
@@tadhgcronin175 you clearly don't know history too well then. Poland was a big power in europe before the 18th century, and held control over moscow for longer than Napoleon did. Read a bit about the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth.
The reason we lost in ww2 is cause the Germans were much more numerous and advanced, and they had help from the Russians from the east. Nobody could have won that, and we were abandoned by France and the UK with whom we had a military alliance, and they didn't do anything to help
I can understand Latvia's fear. With so many Russian speakers in Latvia Moscow could try to "liberate" them at anytime.
Latvia and Estonia. I suspect Poland has its beady eye on Lithuania.
Latvia should NOT fear at all, because US lead NATO is backing fully! Recall again, and again, US kept said NO inch of NATO land will be met with force of NATO! Plus, Latvia has NATO TROOP in Latvia and land robber Russia MUST deal with NATO member force!
Considering Russia can't even win against Ukraine, imagine what NATO would do to them! Moscow would be flattened in the first week.
Citizen from "tiny Baltic state" No one lives here in fear,people move on with their lives. Petrol and diesel got cheaper recently, no one freezes or starves it's just as usual making up stuff for sake of headline.
Completely different view from our capital Riga, everything is fine as long as orkistan stays in its borders and majority of people no longer want anything to do with putins state.
The feeling is mutual from Russia 😂😂😂😂😂
I find it hard to believe that anyone thinks Russia wants a war with Nato given the difficulty they are having with Ukraine.
Congratulations on DW for their well covered reports 👍
Is this a joke?
''The two (Latvia and Russia) have a long shared history, but today Latvians feel threatened by Russia''. Now this way of putting words by DW suggests that there was some mutual thing going on between the two, similar to how the history is shared between Czechs and Slovaks or English and Scots, but now, according to Deutch Welle, suddenly it has changed somehow. Well no, Deutche Welle, hundreds of years of occupation, first by tzarist Russia, later by the Soviets is not what you can call a 'shared history'. More accurate words would be 'robbed history', because Latvia, as well as the other two Baltic states, were robbed of hundreds of years of self-development.
Another stellar article by DW...
...never mind mentioning that Latvia was an independent nation prior to WW 2.
Let's not remind people that the Baltic states are inconveniently (to the Germans) NATO members.
DW repeatedly called the Baltic states "tiny" as if they'd be little loss...and reminded folks of the entrenched Russian minority in these nations.
DW is German government media. Remember, even if ever so subtly, they represent the interests of the German government.
Ever since Soviet troops moved away from German borders, Germany has been a lukewarm NATO member. Well, barely lukewarm, usually worse.
Shame to DW. Latvia is not "one of the poorest in EU". Nonesense...shows some family in country side and make a generalisation. Could show the same about Germany!
never betray your neighbor and if you do make sure to finish the job. if russia wins in Ukraine it will be the turn of Baltic states next. It might not be physical war but there are more then one ways to skin a cat and Russia has learned a lot of lessons from this war.
The lesson that ruzzia is learning, as is the whole world , is that ruzzia is a toothless old lion.
Russia made fool of itself. That is all.
Russia is unable to learn. They only know war and oppression.. and that too, not very effectively 😔
@@mrD66M things haven't gone according to plan, but Russia is not a democracy and has no democratic tradition...nor does it have a free press, free speech, freedom of assembly or association.
Russia can and will play the "long game" with Ukraine. Eventually the West will lose interest and the Ukrainians will be forced to concede a few things.
Remember, DW is the German government entity. During this little article they neglected to mention that Latvia was independent prior to annexation by the USSR, that Latvia is a NATO member, and they repeatedly called Latvia "tiny."
So as for Ukraine and the Baltics, remember that Germany has no friends...only interests
@@evieshore3270 Bear vs honey badger.
Bear - a LOT bigger, jaws/teeth/claws
Honey badger - slick, intelligent, agile, hard to grab, fearless, can spray in the eyes of the enemy/ blind them temporarily, even in the jaws of the bear can claw its eyes out, GOES FOR THE NUTS
In beginning you re speaking about Latvia but using photo of Slovakian army. This is not verry professional approach from production...
every country bordering Russia should use that fear to motivate productivity and building a stronger economy and a military.
Latvia is a NATO nation and Russia will nor is even thinking about attacking a Baltic state. As for prices of gas and all, shame on Europe for depending on Russia all these years for fuel, etc.
How old is that video? I mean..
How in the world can Russia invade another country.... They already can't deal with ukraine
Why people think rhat they can have a reliant relationship with Russia, a military dictatorship is astounding.
Wo sind die Leopards, Scholtz. Du bist ein Versager-immer nur Austrede…
Main thing I noticed, as a bicycle mechanic in Riga, was that most people omitted the pre Winter , end of season bike services. Fearing higher heating bills. In my building, at least, these, so far , haven't eventuated. My first heating period bill, was actually 54€ lower than equivalent last year, people, like me, just turned it down. No individual counter, so it's averaged over the building. Bourgeoise building too, most could pay! So, solidarity with Ukraine? Ah well, hopefully lots to do in Spring!
Did He just say “tiny* Baltic states” 😒😤
Germans, man. I'm just glad there wasn't club music playing in the background.
No matter how *tiny* we are, we still managed to start the collapse of the ussr. So sometimes size doesn't matter, but human spirit and reach for freedom does :D
@@rokasb9441 Yeah, the collapse started not because of Baltics. Asionometry on YT has an excellent video on the collapse of USSR.
They are tiny
@@michaelmurphy839 do not make German jokes here!
Greetings from Munich (München).
Wow, too bad Latvia is not a member of any super strong international military organization that is capable of handedly repelling and therefore preventing any Russian attack... Too bad they didn't do so about 20 years ago... Great coverage DW!
You should keep in mind that in France, Germany and other more western countries, suspicion and opposition to the influence of the United States is rather widespread, and has been for many decades.
And then there are political forces in the United States that support the American World Empire abandoning it's position in the world, and leaving the world to fix it's own problems in the future. I have that bias.
WHY is the United States fighting a war in Ukraine, at considerable risk and expense? The first President of the United States, George Washington, laid out the correct foriegn policy for the United States "No entangling foreign alliances."
That was restated even more concisely by a recent American President: "America First."
I'm pretty confident DW has little to nothing to apologize about re. it's coverage of this war and it's impacts. DW has been a phenomenal news source.
I honestly don't get it that much now. Sure 9 months ago it was a question, but if the Ukraine war showed anything it is that NATO truly has no challengers to speak of. A lot of this is just politicians playing the fear card as usual. Kinda seems real easy for those countries to keep safe now: Stay in NATO and keep your troops organized & trained on at least the same level. There, done.
Baltic states are poor because they were occupied by USSR. It needs at least three generations to reach the Belgium index of life.
Can you please link where we can maybe buy their product? If they don’t have means to ship perhaps we can help there too. It’s the LEAST you can do for selling their story
Traceyxxrose Watch the story again. It looks like the name of their business was on the back of the glass on the car. Should be able to google it.
He has a nice work and a good house. Using OSB to create walls is well invested money.
You forgot to interview the Latvian citizens of Russian Nationality.
Russia would not attack nato, this fear mongering does not help. This guy should be apologetic for dealing and prospering from russia(a terrorist state). They invaded and illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 and this guy thinks it was ok to carry on as normal. It’s time he took a moral stance change his business. He is inside of Europe he has much more options than Ukraine had. I know most Latvians are not like this.
@@gee8883 25%. Are you using 1989 data?
Years ago, my Russian professor was from Latvia. She told us how they were forced to learn and speak Russian under the Soviet Union. It is well to remember that when you speak of "Russians" in Latvia.
In Ireland the English almost wiped out our language.
Unreasonable fear.... Russia don't have the capabilities to expand the war front.
As Lithuanian, I'm so grateful for our guerilla fighters who chose to be partisans instead of being forced into the soviet army in 1945-1955. Thanks to them, Russians were afraid to move to Lithuania, unlike in Latvia. Today, as mentioned in the video, Latvia has a large Russian minority and their obvious influence.. While in Lithuania, we only have a handful of them
Yes, I have thought about what the Baltic states fear if Nato is not effective in Ukraine
I have to ask why have the baltic states never merged to become a single country?
Surely you are much stronger and safer together than as individuals.
They are distinct nations, that's why. They're proud of who they are, they have tremendously long histories.
there is no fear in baltics
No way Russia would try anything funny vs NATO countries...
No worries braliukai! There's no power in world that can beat brotherhood 🇱🇹🇱🇻
The prices are how they are! Its a small price to make shure Ukraine stays in fight and this terrorist state bleeds ! 🇪🇪🇺🇦
💪🥰🇺🇦💞🕊️✝️ GLORY HEROES
Who would want a neighbour like Russia?
Yet the man with the biggest stock of nuclear weapons says he is concerned about Russia's security. No. He feels concerned about his grip on power.
Macron & Scholz all the time speak about "how ensure Russia's security" ...
Why are you trying to make it to sound like we are totally doomed without Russia? What exactly was the point and message of this video? You showed one individual living by the Russian border and that's your reporting about the situation in the whole country? You mentioned only two the most Russian populated cities and tried to make it to sound like Latvians are nowhere to be found! Maybe visit Kuldīga or Liepāja next.
There higher probability to find lithuanian at london low wage job than at lithuania itself.
We won't give the russians an eazy time if they try. Europe stands united!🇷🇴🇪🇺
Really!😂😂😂😂😂ooh Russia is so scared 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@josephineamawiafe9428 Judging by their performance in Ukraine, they should be. All it took was the will of the ukrainian people and some western weapons to stop the whole russian army from advancing.
Turning a deaf ear to advice is the beginning of delusion.
Turning a blind eye to one’s mistakes is the beginning of failure.
Always thinking that you should have a fair
share of everything is the beginning of affliction.
Russia doesn't seem to be able to defeat Ukraine. Opening a new front would be absolutely suicidal.
The Latvians have nothing to worry about since they are members of NATO. There is no way Putin will open up a second military front, particularly with a NATO member. What the Latvians have to do is to stop mourning their lost business relationships with Russia and focus their energies on creating markets and business relationships with other business partners. As far as the 25% of Latvians who speak Russian, they've got to answer the age old question: "Whose side are you on?" Once Russian collapses, which will probably happen in late 2023 or early 2024, there will be plenty of opportunity for Latvians to rebuild those business relationships. The Latvians need only look at other Eastern European countries that aligned with the West years ago, like Poland and the Czech Republic. Until then, it is important the the Baltic countries, especially Latvia, stay the course and begin the hard work of restructuring their economy.