Category:
Reports
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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2024 Annual Report: Influence Campaigns in the Baltic States
The 2024 elections in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia became a primary target for Kremlin-aligned disinformation campaigns, aiming to undermine trust in democratic processes. These efforts centered on claims of electoral fraud, corruption, and anti-government rhetoric, seeking to delegitimize pro-EU outcomes and frame national leadership as incompetent. Narratives questioning coalition legitimacy and election integrity were widely amplified. Beyond electoral manipulation, economic challenges, anti-EU sentiment, cultural values, and social policies—including LGBTQ rights—were exploited to deepen societal divisions. Anti-Ukrainian sentiment was also prominent, portraying support for Ukraine as harmful to national interests and framing the EU as imposing damaging policies on the region. Ultimately, these campaigns aimed to weaken national resilience, erode trust in governance, and align public opinion with Kremlin interests by amplifying anti-EU and anti-Western narratives while exacerbating societal rifts.
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Latvia Weekly: Russian Propaganda Exploits Baltic Fears and Trump Rhetoric
Kremlin-aligned outlets are amplifying fears of US withdrawal from the Baltics while leveraging Trump's statements to reinforce Russian narratives. They threaten Baltic sovereignty through historical revisionism, portray Baltic states as Western colonies, and warn of dire consequences for supporting Ukraine. By combining veiled threats with selective amplification of Trump's rhetoric, Russian propaganda outlets are working to undermine Baltic security and promoting idea of Russian strength and regional dominance.
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Estonia Weekly: Anti-Government Criticism on Religious and Energy Issues
The Estonian government is pressuring the Russian Orthodox Church to sever ties with Moscow, citing security concerns, while pro-Kremlin critics accuse the government of undemocratic interference in religious affairs. Moreover, they also criticize the government for failing to develop proper energy strategy and not maintaining a pragmatic relationship with Russia on energy issues.
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