Why the inhabitants of this island are worried about its proximity to Russia | DW News

Key Concepts

• NATO presence and training exercises in Estonia
• Strategic importance of Hiiumaa Island
• Estonian Women's Voluntary Defense Organization (NKK/Naiste Vabatahtlik Kaitseliit)
• Threat of Russian aggression and sabotage
• Community solidarity and national defense
• Russian enclave of Kaliningrad (Khenrad)
• Estonian Defense League (Kaitseliit)
• NATO Article 5 (collective defense)

Hiiumaa Island and the Threat of Russian Aggression

The video focuses on the Estonian island of Hiiumaa and the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on its residents. Avi Unrew, a speech therapist and resident of Hiiumaa, notes that "life as we knew it here is probably gone forever" due to the changed underlying feeling of threat. Hiiumaa's location in the Baltic Sea gives it strategic importance for Moscow, as Russian ships pass by on their way to St. Petersburg and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad (referred to as "Khenrad" in the video). This proximity poses a potential threat to Estonia.

The Estonian Women's Voluntary Defense Organization (NKK)

To contribute to her country's defense, Avi Unrew joined the Naiskodukaitse (NKK), or Estonian Women's Voluntary Defense Organization, three years prior. The NKK was founded in 1927, banned during the Soviet era, and revived after Estonia regained independence in 1991. It is now part of the Kaitseliit, the Voluntary Estonian Defense League. In the event of war with Russia, armed and well-trained civilians from the NKK could be called upon to reinforce Estonia's regular armed forces. While Avi had military training, she "never fired a single shot" and plans to focus on evacuation preparation and implementation.

Historical Context and Current Concerns

During the Soviet era, Hiiumaa was home to a Soviet military base and declared a restricted zone. These facilities remain as a reminder of that time, causing concern among locals who lived through it. However, experts caution against fearmongering.

Estonia's Defense Strategy and NATO Membership

Estonia is investing heavily in its defense and has a deeply rooted culture of self-defense. The video highlights the importance of regional allies such as Finland (a new NATO member), Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. NATO membership is crucial, as it ensures that other alliance members will come to Estonia's defense if attacked, invoking Article 5. NATO conducts training exercises in Estonia to prepare for potential threats.

Acts of Sabotage and Russian Activity

The video mentions that acts of sabotage are a major concern in the Baltic region. Russian military jets repeatedly violate NATO airspace, and Russia is suspected of jamming navigation systems in Western aircraft. In April, two Finnish planes had to turn back after disappearing from radar. Western intelligence agencies believe these incidents are coordinated from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, where Moscow is believed to be storing military equipment and nuclear-capable missiles.

Community Solidarity and Resilience

Despite the looming danger, residents of Hiiumaa refuse to be intimidated. Avi Unrew emphasizes the importance of neighborhood festivities and gatherings for promoting solidarity and national defense. She believes that a strong sense of community is essential for accomplishing anything together, including working, celebrating, talking, and thinking about the future. Avi wants to instill these convictions in her daughter and other children on Hiiumaa.

Conclusion

The video portrays the resilience and determination of the people of Hiiumaa in the face of potential Russian aggression. Despite the threats, they maintain a strong sense of community, invest in their defense capabilities through organizations like the NKK, and rely on the protection afforded by NATO membership. Avi Unrew believes in the defensive capabilities of the Estonians, NATO, and the future of her island, emphasizing its beauty and peacefulness as qualities worth defending.