Unfortunately. this period of autonomy was ended abruptly with World War II in which the Soviets. acting on the MolotovRibbentrop Pact in collusion with the Nazis. began their occupation of the then sovereign Baltic States. which continues to this day. In the 50 years since. the valorous citizens of the Baltic States. and their relatives worldwide. many of whom reside in Illinois. have fiercely and peacefully worked to regain their independence. Their resistance has taken place against incredible Soviet military might. the attempted Russification of Baltic culture and the de facto deportation of many Baltic citizens. Economically. the Moscow government has exploited and manipulated the Baltic nations. leaving them financially shortchanged. As an example. 80 percent of the net profits from all branches of the Latvian economy are funneled to Moscow. with little in return.
Keywords matched
deportation