Report
Lithuania Monthly: Kremlin Disinformation Aims to Undermine Energy Independence
Lithuania’s disconnection from the BRELL electricity network became a focal point of Kremlin-aligned disinformation, with media narratives predicting power outages, rising electricity prices, and government failure. Fearmongering posts and viral videos sought to erode public trust and frame energy independence as reckless and harmful. However, while these narratives gained traction among certain audiences, pushback from social media users highlighted growing resistance to disinformation. This case demonstrates how misleading claims and economic fears are weaponized to destabilize public confidence and challenge Lithuania’s strategic decisions.
Weekly Reports
Lithuania Weekly: Žemaitaitis’ Scandal Downplayed by Pro-Kremlin Media
Over the past week, Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania focused on downplaying fears about Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine, portraying him as a peace-seeking leader and dismissing criticism of his foreign policy as hypocrisy. At the same time, these outlets amplified narratives that Western governments exaggerate the Russian threat to serve the interests of the military-industrial complex, accusing Lithuania of fearmongering to justify increased defense spending. Meanwhile, while Lithuanian media erupted over the Remigijus Žemaitaitis scandal, pro-Kremlin sources largely ignored it or framed him as a victim of political persecution rather than a politician caught deceiving his supporters.
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Latvia Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Disinformation Paints the Baltics as NATO Pawns
Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels systematically portray Baltic states as irrational “Russophobes” and Western puppets while threatening them with destruction. These channels employ historical revisionism, dehumanizing language, and claims of Western abandonment to undermine Baltic sovereignty and create divisions within NATO and the EU.
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Estonia Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Commentators Condemn ‘ReArm Europe’ Initiative
Pro-Kremlin commentators criticize EU “ReArm Europe” initiative, arguing it could prolong Ukraine’s war and undermine US peace efforts. International Women’s Day (8 March) triggered some ideological debates about Soviet occupation legacy and pro-Kremlin sentiments.
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Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Media Exploits Trump-Zelensky Tensions
Over the past week, Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania has seized on tensions between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, using their meeting to push narratives that Ukraine must abandon NATO aspirations and that the West is an unreliable ally. These outlets portrayed Zelensky as disrespectful and Trump as frustrated, claiming that Ukraine is to blame for prolonging the war. At the same time, war-related disinformation escalated, accusing Lithuania of fueling a “war machine” against Russia—a fear-mongering tactic aimed at weakening public support for Ukraine and reinforcing Kremlin narratives.
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Monthly Reports
Lithuania Monthly: Kremlin Disinformation Aims to Undermine Energy Independence
Lithuania’s disconnection from the BRELL electricity network became a focal point of Kremlin-aligned disinformation, with media narratives predicting power outages, rising electricity prices, and government failure. Fearmongering posts and viral videos sought to erode public trust and frame energy independence as reckless and harmful. However, while these narratives gained traction among certain audiences, pushback from social media users highlighted growing resistance to disinformation. This case demonstrates how misleading claims and economic fears are weaponized to destabilize public confidence and challenge Lithuania’s strategic decisions.
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Latvia Monthly: Russian Propaganda Capitalizes on Trump’s Statements
Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels used mockery, selective reporting, and fear-mongering to undermine the Baltic States’ security, sovereignty, and independence. These narratives painted the Baltic States as weak, desperate, and subservient to the West. Suggesting that Trump’s USA does not care about the Baltics and that one day the Baltics might be forced to realign with Russia.
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Estonia Monthly: Disinformation Targets the BRELL Exit
In February, pro-Kremlin disinformation in Estonia focused on the country’s strategic move to disconnect from the BRELL power grid, which historically linked the Baltic states to Russia and Belarus. Misleading claims suggested that Estonia’s infrastructure was unprepared, warning of blackouts, energy shortages, and rising electricity costs. These narratives sought to erode public confidence in the transition, portraying it as reckless and economically harmful. However, Estonian officials reassured the public that infrastructure upgrades were on track, ensuring a stable shift to the European grid. The campaign was part of a broader Russian effort to influence public opinion and discourage Estonia from reducing its dependence on Russian-controlled energy.
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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.
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