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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

5
Latvia Police
January 27th – February 2nd, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Russophobic Incidents

A high-ranking Latvian police chief in Latgale sparked controversy by allegedly referring to ethnic Russian officers as “occupiers,” drawing criticism from Russian-aligned media and local politicians. The incident, along with criticism of other allegedly Russophobic incidents in Latvia, highlight the ongoing tensions in Latvia over language rights and historical memory of the Soviet period.

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Estonia electricity grid
January 27th – February 2nd, 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Speculative Panic Alerts about Blackouts

Pro-Russian commentators on social media threatened energy shortages and blackouts because of Estonia’s planned desynchronisation from the BRELL electricity grid.

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Donald Trump
January 20th – January 26th, 2025 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Pushing Doubt Over Trump and Defence Spending

This week, pro-Kremlin media in Lithuania framed Trump’s inauguration as a threat to Western unity, predicting instability for Ukraine and Lithuania. Lithuanian politicians were criticized as shortsighted, while the government’s plan to allocate 5–6% of GDP to defense was mocked, with claims it would strain other sectors.

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6
NATO
January 20th – January 26th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Telegram Channels Exploit Trump to Undermine Baltic Security

Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels are pushing narratives that target Baltic states by depicting them as dependent on the United States, while simultaneously using Trump’s statements to undermine NATO solidarity and regional security. The channels promote a conspiracy theory about the US military-industrial complex controlling Trump, while characterizing US-Baltic relationships as corrupt arrangements built on “cozy schemes.” These messages are complemented by local actors who leverage Trump’s positions to advance anti-LGBTQ messaging, COVID-19 conspiracies, and criticism of Latvia’s independent media and government.

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Monthly Reports

January 2025 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

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
January 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

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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January 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

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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December 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

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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Latest Reports

Lithuania Monthly: Defense Budget Increase Sparks Disinformation

January 2025

Latvia Monthly: Kremlin-Aligned Channels Exploit Trump’s Statements

January 2025

Estonia Monthly: Tightening Scrutiny on TikTok

January 2025

Latvia Weekly: Russophobic Incidents

January 27th – February 2nd, 2025

Estonia Weekly: Speculative Panic Alerts about Blackouts

January 27th – February 2nd, 2025

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