Al Jazeera to repeat Waiting for Invasion

Orignally broadcast on Al Jazeera English on 15th February 2017, the network will now repeat the film on Wednesday 16th February at 8pm. In light of the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, this feature documentary about two young Lithuanian conscripts who train to defend their country against Russian aggression is just as relevant now as when it was first broadcast in 2017.

In January 2015 Lithuania became the nineteenth member state of the Eurozone. Two months later Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė announced that the country was under Russian attack. Since the Russian annexation of Crimea (Ukraine), Lithuania considers that it has become the next target. The country has been subject to multiple cyber-attacks, intimidation by Russian bombers and unidentified planes, diplomatic battles and threats. The airspace above the Baltic States is now one of the most dangerous in the world. Just 26 years after gaining independence from Russia, Lithuania fears occupation again. Europe’s leaders have agreed that further defence is necessary. NATO is setting up a command post with a rapid reaction force in Lithuania, where British and American soldiers will provide support to defend the border of NATO States. Lithuania has decided to reintroduce conscription; they are preparing to defend themselves from the possibility of Russian aggression. The idea of compulsory military training has divided society.

Directed and produced by Neringa Medutyte, this documentary tells the story of young men preparing for war, as their parents and grandparents once did.