Kaliningrad: Putin's Secret Weapon In The Baltic Sea | Witness | Russia Documentary

Описание: Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, between Poland and Lithuania, Kaliningrad is a piece of Russia in the heart of Europe. A curious territory, isolated from Moscow after the fall of the USSR, today transformed into a military fortress facing NATO. In Kaliningrad, headquarters of the Russian Baltic fleet, there are 30,000 soldiers, hypersonic missiles and nuclear capability.

We were able to enter this territory almost inaccessible since the war in Ukraine. In this closely guarded enclave, the journalists followed the elections for the new governor. The outgoing candidate, Antone Alikhanov, who is totally loyal to Vladimir Putin, renewed his mandate with 80% of the votes. Kaliningrad is under economic embargo by the European Union and its population is suffering. Foodstuffs are becoming scarce. The price of coal is exploding. But, fed by the Kremlin’s television propaganda, most of the population supports the war. Only the Europeanized youth dare to half-heartedly criticize the government.

The strategic situation of Kaliningrad and Putin’s desire to conquer it are worrying its neighbors, the Baltic states. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, former Soviet republics, have been members of NATO and the European Union since 2004. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has revived the spectre of the Soviet occupation. So the three Baltic countries are doing everything they can to defend themselves.

In Lithuania, ordinary citizens are taking up arms and training to become soldiers. In civilian life, Smilte is a communications director. On weekends, she puts on fatigues and participates in exercises with a Lithuanian paramilitary militia.

In Latvia, the government wants to wipe out its Soviet past. It has ordered the dismantling of buildings glorifying the USSR era and restricted the use of Russian in public spaces. A decision that raises the anger of the Russian-speaking minority that represents a third of the population. Elena and her daughter are part of this minority, economically disadvantaged and increasingly ostracized.

Between a war of memories and a highly militarized territory, we dive into the heart of the tensions between Kaliningrad and the Baltic States.

This documentary was produced by Ligne de Front and directed by Kristell Bernaud & Alice Serrano. It was first released in 2023.

-------

Bear witness to monumental moments in human history, and human's most terrible crimes. Java Witness is home to incredible stories of good and evil, from fascinating stories of old, to chilling documents of heinous murders and modern-day mafias and gangs.

From dinosaurs to medieval feasts, ancient wars and battles, through Kings and Queens, World Wars and critical world events, watch some of the best history documentary series, world history specials and more, all for FREE!

Hit SUBSCRIBE and enable the bell notifications to know first about all new documentaries on the channel! At least 2 FULL documentaries available to watch FREE online every week!

Subscribe to our Discover channel for more documentaries:    / javafilms