Main narratives:
- general anti-government sentiments;
- scepticism towards NATO functionality;
- inevitable war between NATO and Russia;
- speculations about the growing threat to Lithuania;
- the incompetence of the current government.
Overview:
Over the past week, Kremlin-affiliated media in Lithuania saw the highest engagement with stories focused on domestic events. Lithuania celebrated a notable 20th anniversary as a NATO member during the reporting period; during the celebration, two Mirage fighter aircraft, four helicopters, two Black Hawk and two Chinook congratulated the Lithuanian audience with a fly-past. However, malign media took another perspective on the gesture: Kremlin-aligned actors stated that it is “a very uncomfortable feeling”, questioning whether “they start getting people used to military equipment?”. Malign actors continued to sow discord, asking, “People, how do you feel about this issue? What is your opinion about possible war scenarios?”. Besides drawing parallels between the anniversary as a NATO member and the upcoming inevitable war, pro-Kremlin media criticised the ruling government and specific politicians, emphasising the recently appointed new Minister of Defence.
