Main narratives:
- Russophobia in Latvia;
- US is the aggressor;
- Baltic States are US puppets.
Overview:
Several posts on Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels concentrated on what they allege is Russophobia in Latvia. These posts have put forward several arguments to support this claim:
- The removal of Soviet monuments is characterized as Russophobic.
- Criminal investigations into pro-Kremlin radicals are also described as being motivated by Russophobia.
- Some posts label the Baltic States as “Russophobic” without providing further context or explanation.
It is important to note that the term “Russophobia” is often used by the Kremlin as an emotionally charged manipulation tactic to divert attention and discredit critics.
These channels also highlighted statements made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers. Lavrov accused the US of aggressive actions that risk turning the current “Cold War” into a “hot” one. He further described the Baltic States as being wrapped in barbed wire, anti-tank ditches, and “queuing for the right to accept foreign troops, preferably American, on their territory.”
