THE BALTICS – PUTIN`S NEXT TARGET?

Estonian journalist Maris Hellrand and Lithuanian writer Laurynas Katkus in conversation with Cathrin Kahlweit about a region at Europe’s northeastern edge. Since Putin’s war against Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have moved into the Western spotlight. EU and NATO members for 20 years, they long felt overlooked. That changed as fears of Moscow’s imperial ambitions grew. Today, their voices, culture, and history are more visible.

Security experts see the Baltics as a possible next target—testing NATO’s strength and reclaiming former Soviet territory. Yet Baltic resilience and independence are legendary. Societies have armed themselves militarily and mentally. Still, concerns remain that ethnic Russian minorities could be used as leverage, amid controversial minority policies.

Moderated by Cathrin Kahlweit

The talk will be in German.

Eine Bühne für Osteuropa – A stage for Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe has been in a permanent state of upheaval – since the fall of communism in 1989, since the eastward expansion, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, and not least since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Cathrin Kahlweit, expert on Eastern Europe, publicist and long-time SZ correspondent, sheds light on the current situation in Eastern Europe in discussions with prominent guests as part of the series »Eine Bühne für Osteuropa«. This series of talks is a collaborative production of  Burgtheater and ERSTE Foundation. Media partner is DIE PRESSE.

Cover picture: Eine Bühne für Osteuropa, Akademietheater © eSeL.at—Robert Puteanu