Report
Lithuania Monthly: Defense Budget Increase Sparks Disinformation
Lithuania’s decision to increase defence spending to 5–6% of GDP has sparked disinformation campaigns, with pro-Kremlin media portraying it as reckless and harmful to the economy. Social media narratives claim the move will increase taxes, hurt public services, and benefit NATO over Lithuania. Critics, including political figures, question NATO’s influence and Lithuania’s priorities, while YouTube and social media amplify misleading claims about personal savings and economic fallout. This controversy highlights how strategic decisions are weaponized to fuel public division and distrust.
Weekly Reports
Latvia Weekly: Kremlin Propaganda Spins Trump-Putin Call
Following the Trump-Putin telephone conversation, Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels celebrated by pushing narratives that portrayed Russia as an ascendant power in direct dialogue with the US, while depicting the EU and Baltic states as increasingly irrelevant and desperate. Their messaging combined ridicule with threatening undertones.
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Estonia Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Commentators Praise Trump’s Statements
Pro-Kremlin commentators welcomed Trump’s statements on talks with Russia, highlighting Europe’s impotence and mocking Estonia’s poor relations with Moscow. Another critical narrative highlighted that 53% of Estonians do not rely on the state in times of crisis, with less than 40% trusting the government.
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Lithuania Weekly: Disinformation on Lithuania’s BRELL Disconnection
Kremlin-aligned media spread fear about the Baltic states’ BRELL disconnection, warning of power outages and soaring prices. A viral post by ex-Seimas member Mindaugas Puidokas falsely linked a gas station issue to the transition, amplifying Kremlin narratives aimed at undermining trust in Baltic governments.
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Latvia Weekly: Russian Propaganda Reacts to Baltic States’ BRELL Withdrawal
Russian propaganda narratives about Baltic states’ withdrawal from the BRELL electricity network range from legitimate concerns about rising costs to mockery and doomsaying. Russian outlets and commentators focus on negative aspects, such as price increases and subservience to the EU, while ignoring the enhanced energy security benefits of joining the European power grid.
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Monthly Reports
Lithuania Monthly: Defense Budget Increase Sparks Disinformation
Lithuania’s decision to increase defence spending to 5–6% of GDP has sparked disinformation campaigns, with pro-Kremlin media portraying it as reckless and harmful to the economy. Social media narratives claim the move will increase taxes, hurt public services, and benefit NATO over Lithuania. Critics, including political figures, question NATO’s influence and Lithuania’s priorities, while YouTube and social media amplify misleading claims about personal savings and economic fallout. This controversy highlights how strategic decisions are weaponized to fuel public division and distrust.
Read more
Latvia Monthly: Kremlin-Aligned Channels Exploit Trump’s Statements
In January Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels used the beginning of Trump’s presidency to advance narratives predicting dramatic global changes that would benefit Russia, including American retreat from global leadership, European fragmentation, and NATO’s weakening. These channels specifically target Baltic states, using humor and dismissive rhetoric to claim that Trump’s US will abandon the Baltics.
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Estonia Monthly: Tightening Scrutiny on TikTok
In January 2025, Estonia intensified its stance on TikTok, citing growing concerns over data security and disinformation. While the app had already been banned on government-issued devices since April 2023, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called for a broader European ban, emphasizing the risks posed by data collection and the spread of biased content. His statement aligns with Estonia’s proactive approach to cybersecurity and reflects wider European discussions on regulating social media to combat disinformation and protect user data.
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Lithuania Monthly: Make russia Small Again
The disqualification of Lithuanian athlete Kornelija Dūdaitė from the World Functional Sports Championships sparked widespread debate, highlighting the entanglement of sports and global politics. Celebrated at home for her bold stance against Russian athletes competing under their national symbols, Dūdaitė faced intense criticism from Kremlin-aligned actors who labeled her actions as Russophobic. This incident underscores how geopolitical tensions permeate even the sporting arena, with reactions ranging from admiration to condemnation on a global scale.
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