Approximately two million people joined hands, forming a chain of over 600 kilometers through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, in peaceful protest against the Soviet occupation.
The biggest achievement of the protest campaign was getting the USSR to admit to past crimes. The USSR acknowledged the existence of the 1939 Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and declared it invalid. It was one of the most important steps towards the restoration of independence in the Baltics.
In 1989 people of #Latvia #Estonia #Lithuania formed human chain demanding freedom from the Soviet occupation. Together we regained our independence, together we are guarding it and helping Ukraine #baltijasceļš34 #baltikett34 #Baltijoskelias34@GitanasNauseda @AlarKaris 🇱🇻 🇱🇹 🇪🇪
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) August 23, 2023
You can read a comprehensive description of this historical day on this LSM story published on the 30th anniversary of the event to find out more about this monumental event impacting the lives of many.
You can also watch a documentary on providing context here.
