A century ago, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania fought to free themselves from Russian rule—only to be conquered again by the Soviet Union during World War II. When the USSR collapsed in 1991, they emerged devastated but determined to rebuild on Western terms. Over the next three decades, they transformed from poor post-Soviet republics into some of Europe’s fastest-growing economies—embracing democracy, digitalization, and NATO protection. But after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the old fear returned. Now, the Baltic State s are pouring billions into defense, fortifying borders, and training citizens to fight. Having risen from oppression to prosperity once before, they know exactly what they stand to lose.
At least there is a US military presence in the Baltics . USA usually doesn’t like it very much when their people are attacked or killed. I do hope they are being payed though ( Congressional shutdown and all).
It is hard to agree to a statement like “USA doesn’t like when their people are attacked or killed” when you consider that they are currently starving their poorest because they are having a budget fight over wether to take away health care for a good chunk of their people or not.
As one of those affected by this US “government” fuckery, I’ll say this: the propaganda is very clear. The poor are worth less than national pride, so self-righteous white knighting overseas is likely —if not tradition. 🤢🙇🏼♂️
True, I hadn’t thought of it in that context, it wasnt my intention to be disrespectful towards the poorest( in USA).
My remark was in part about the worrying prospect of having unpaid (foreign) military from a country with a ambiguous administration, and thr potential risk of it. I imagine that the EU has paid them though.
Ironically, “payed” is a nautical term.