Russia and Nato's Baltic war games: the Latvians caught on Europe's frontline
Synopsis
By May 2017, 4,000 NATO personnel will be permanently stationed in the Baltics, marking the largest troop buildup since the Cold War.
Synopsis
At the Latvian border town of Rezekne, local police translator Atur Villis discusses the tensions between Russian and Latvian speakers. As NATO prepares to station 4,000 troops in the Baltics by May 2017, military exercises intensify on both sides of the border. Russian officials label NATO's expansion a threat, while analysts warn of potential conflict. The documentary captures the precarious situation in Latvia, where the presence of foreign troops raises fears of escalation amid ongoing geopolitical struggles.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how NATO's presence shapes local perceptions in Latvia.
- Meet the mayor of Rezekne and his vision for tourism.
- Find out why locals fear a potential World War III.
Did You Know
- By May 2017, 4,000 NATO personnel were to be stationed in the Baltics.
- Latvia replaced Russian with Latvian as the national language 30 years ago.
- The mayor of Rezekne is a member of the pro-Russian Harmony Party.
- The distance from Rezekne to the Russian border is about 60 km.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of NATO troops in the Baltic states?
By May 2017, 4,000 NATO personnel will be permanently stationed in the Baltics, marking the largest buildup of troops since the Cold War.
What percentage of the population in Latvia speaks Russian?
In Latvia, approximately half of the population speaks Russian, with the other half being Latvian speakers.
What did Russia describe NATO's expansion as?
Russia described NATO's expansion as the greatest threat to its security since its invasion of eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
What are people saying?
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