THE NEW BALTIC WAY

A human chain of 650 kilometers cutting through the Baltic states symbolized in 1989 the desire for independence. After the Russian invasion in Ukraine, a new generation of Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians fight to preserve their freedom, language, and culture.

Together with photographer HJ Hunter I traveled for six weeks through the Baltic states. We examined how –especially young– Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians see the future of their countries since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We stood among the recently toppled Soviet statues in Grūtas Park in Lithuania, witnessed the Russian-speaking community laying flowers on May 9th at the war graves of their ancestors in Daugavpils (Latvia), and celebrated Independence Day at Toompea Castle in the Estonian capital Tallinn.

Four articles about the journey have been published so far in the Dutch newspapers Trouw and De Limburger. Also, the story was published in the may edition of National Geographic Magazine in 2024.