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.

Photographers David Peskens and HJ Hunter traveled for six weeks through the Baltic states. They examined how –especially young– Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians see the future of their countries since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They 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. You can read them here. The text for the National Geographic publication will be updated as soon as the magazine is out of stores.