Myth breaker part 1.

Observing the Kremlin’s propaganda, there are certain arguments or thoughts that are noticeably being repeatedly broadcast over the air. We have made a summary of these propaganda myths, making it easier to identify them within the text.

It is more difficult to show why these myths are wrong or fake. For example, it is quite difficult for a person living under the influence of the Kremlin’s media to admit that the claims made by his monitored mass media are not true. All that is needed are slight overview references to be clear proof. The same question also arises for our Western friends in explaining the situation: their ideas are based on constant circulating myths in the media that may not be based on truth.

In order to change this situation, we will start with a new heading in which we will demonstrate why the propaganda myths circulating in Estonia are wrong. The goal is to create proof that can be shared even with non-Estonian speakers. To further this there are multilingual references at the end of this piece.

Myth number 1: Estonia voluntarily joined the Soviet Union

The first myth that we are protesting is the Kremlin’s propaganda statement,  summarized in the following phrase; The Soviet Union did not occupy Estonia but Estonia volunteered to join the Soviet Union“.

Where do myths circulate?

In the Kremlin’s propaganda media talks with the thoughts of many broadcasting guests as well as website articles. For example on the Russian national news agency stories on this and in the story on this in referred postings.

Why is this myth circulated?

The use of this myth makes it possible to claim that Estonia itself is to be blamed for the consequences of the Soviet period.  The myth also helps justify Russian state sponsored intervention in Estonia and state that Estonia belongs in the sphere of interest of Russia. This myth also allows the blaming of Estonia of tampering with history as well as creating a chasm between ethnic groups living in Estonia.

In addition, Russia justifies the annexation of Crimea using a similar myth.

We suppress the myth

Myth supressing historical events that prove the occupation of the Republic of Estonia by the Soviet Union:

In June 1940 the USSR begins preparations for the occupation of the independent and internationally recognized Republic of Estonia; a proclaimed neutral state since the start of WWII. On June 9. 1940, the USSR People’s Defence  Commissar, Marshal Semyon Timoshenko together with the Chief of Staff issues Directive Number 02622 which launches preparations for the invasion of Estonia.

• June 14. 1940: Soviet troops start air and sea blockades against Estonia, in the Gulf of Finland a civilian airline, the Kaleva is shot down by Soviet planes while it is operating between Tallinn and Helsinki.
• June 16. 1940: The Soviet Union presents an ultimatum to the Republic of Estonia demanding Red Army Forces be deployed in Estonia and that a change of government be implemented for a more Moscow favourable one.
• June 1940: With the support of the arriving Red Army, the Soviet Union carries out a coup d’état in Estonia, which puts in place a new puppet government, obedient to the Soviet Union.
• July 1940. The puppet government organizes extraordinary elections that are in conflict with the Constitution of Estonia. The elections are neither free nor democratic, only Soviet sympathisers are allowed to participate, the election results are falsified.
• August 1940. Through the rigged elections, an unlawful State council comes to power and organizes membership into the Soviet Union.

The annexation and occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union was seen as illegal in the majority of countries worldwide. The diplomatic missions of the Republic of Estonia continued their activities. The United States, the Vatican and Ireland in particular consistently pursued non-recognition policies throughout the years from 1940 to 1991.

Nazi Germany only recognized the unification of Estonia with the Soviet Union along with some dependent countries.

Conclusion

Estonia did not enter the USSR voluntarily; in actuality, the Soviet Union occupied the Republic of Estonia in 1940. The independence of the Republic of Estonia was restored in 1991. The legal successors of the former Soviet Red Army, the Russian Federation’s Army left Estonia in 1994.

Read more in Estonian, English and Russian (first, second and third Russian language references).

Pictures: Thomas Hawk /Flickr / CC, Occupation museum photo Wilson44691 /Wikipedia /CC