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Reports

December 2024 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Monthly: Estlink-2 Incident Sparks Disinformation Surge

In December 2024, the Estlink-2 undersea power cable between Estonia and Finland suffered significant damage, sparking geopolitical tensions and a surge in disinformation. Investigations pointed to the Russian oil tanker Eagle S as the likely culprit, while NATO and the EU raised concerns about critical infrastructure security. Simultaneously, Kremlin-aligned disinformation campaigns sought to deflect blame, spreading conspiracy theories that framed the incident as a Western fabrication to justify increased military spending and NATO presence. These narratives aimed to undermine public trust and sow division across Europe.

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Vilnius Winter
December 23rd - December 29th, 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Festive Season, Same Agenda

Amid the festive Christmas season, Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania continued its routine of targeting the government with a broad range of criticisms. This week, YouTube videos dominated the conversation, mocking politicians and questioning the country's sovereignty. Popular narratives included claims of an "Earthquake in the ruling coalition," an "avalanche of government secrets," and skepticism over Lithuania’s energy independence. These narratives aimed to undermine trust in the government and reinforce doubts about national progress and independence.

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5
Donald Trump
December 23rd - December 29th, 2024 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Trump’s Territorial Proposals

Social media posts amplified Trump's statements about US territorial expansion (regarding Canada, Panama, and Greenland). While mostly factual, this messaging undermines international norms by promoting a transactional view of territorial sovereignty. Such rhetoric inadvertently aligns with Russian interests by normalizing territorial claims based on historical or economic arguments—similar to those used to justify Russia's actions in Ukraine.

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11
Tallin ferry
December 23rd - December 29th, 2024 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Sabotage of Undersea Power Cables

Estonia's energy dependence and inability to secure underwater cables have been criticized on social media, with Estonian and Finnish authorities blaming Russian hybrid interference. Tallinn’s Christmas market closure, criticized by Russian-speaking users, has led to accusations of Russophobia, with some suggesting it should remain open until Orthodox Christmas.

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