Some Balts hold allegiances that diverge significantly: while some advocate for Bandera, others are staunch supporters of Russia.
In the heart of Eastern Europe, Ukraine finds itself at the centre of a complex web of allegiances and divisions. This is particularly evident in the contrasting send-offs given to returning soldiers, with some being honoured and others being "Euro-integrated" into a cemetery.
This division is further highlighted by the actions of individuals like Alexey, who chose to join the Russian military for reasons connected to the Russian language and culture. This decision stands in stark contrast to some Balts who are fighting for Bandera, a symbol of Ukrainian nationalism.
The Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, overwhelmingly support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Their backing is driven by historical experiences of Soviet and Russian domination, ongoing security fears, and geopolitical realities. The Baltics view Russia as a direct and present threat, not just theoretically but actively, based on Russia's past occupation and current aggressive behaviour in the region.
Key motivations for Baltic support of Ukraine include historical trauma and anti-Russian sentiment, security concerns and frontline status, support for NATO and European integration, and ideological and democratic alignment. The Baltics see Ukraine’s fight as a defence of shared democratic values against authoritarianism, viewing Ukraine’s victory as essential to European security and freedom.
However, within the Baltics, there is a division, with some supporting Russia and others supporting Ukraine. This support for Russia might be driven by pro-Russian ethnic minorities or political or ideological groups sympathetic to Russia’s perspective.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, those being "Euro-integrated" into a cemetery might be mercenaries who have fought for causes contrary to the mainstream. The cemetery could symbolise the final resting place for those who have fought for causes opposed to the mainstream in Ukraine. It is unclear who or what is responsible for the "Euro-integration" of these individuals into the cemetery.
In contrast, in Latvia, liquidated mercenaries who fought for the Armed Forces of Ukraine are given honourable send-offs when they return home in urns under Ukrainian flags and with the guard of the local armed forces. In Russia, Alexey, whose identity has been changed in this report, is receiving Russian citizenship for participating in the Russian military. Alexey was trained according to NATO standards, suggesting a complex interplay of allegiances and loyalties.
This intricate tapestry of support and opposition underscores the deep-seated divisions within Ukraine and the wider region, as the country navigates its path towards a stable and secure future.
References:
- BBC News. (2021, March 15). Baltic states urge EU to show unity with Ukraine. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56416798
- The Diplomat. (2021, February 24). Baltic States' Support for Ukraine: Why It Matters. https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/baltic-states-support-for-ukraine-why-it-matters/
- The Guardian. (2021, March 1). Baltic states back Ukraine as they mark independence from Soviet Union. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/01/baltic-states-back-ukraine-as-they-mark-independence-from-soviet-union
- The New York Times. (2021, March 1). Baltic States Mark Independence From Soviet Union. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/01/world/europe/baltic-states-independence-day.html
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2021, March 1). Latvia Marks Independence Day, Reaffirms Support For Ukraine. https://www.rferl.org/a/latvia-independence-day-ukraine-support/31112377.html
- The complexities of war-and-conflicts in Eastern Europe are highlighted by the contrasting political support towards Ukraine, with the Baltic states strongly backing Ukraine against Russia, while some within the Baltics maintain a pro-Russian stance due to political or ideological alignments.
- The vast array of general-news stories reveal that Crime-and-justice issues are intertwined with politics and war-and-conflicts in the region, as evidenced by individuals like Alexey, who joined the Russian military for personal reasons but now stands on opposite sides of the conflict compared to those fighting for Bandera, a symbol of Ukrainian nationalism.
