Main narratives:
- Questioning the country’s security;
- The incompetence of the current government;
- Raising fears of the upcoming war;
- Scepticism towards NATO functionality;
- General anti-government sentiments.
Overview:
Over the past week, Kremlin-aligned media operating in Lithuania intensified efforts to discredit the country’s leadership by building on recent security and political developments. Geopolitical fearmongering became a central topic, with narratives suggesting that under the current government, Lithuania is doomed to become a victim of foreign powers. Commentators speculated about alleged secret plans by Western allies, questioning Lithuania’s sovereignty and predicting the country’s imminent collapse: counting down the supposed “days left” for its existence. Some claims even accused politicians of having “packed their bags” in preparation to flee, painting them as cowards abandoning the nation.
The conviction of former MP Kristijonas Bartoševičius continued to be exploited. Kremlin-aligned outlets highlighted the Prosecutor’s Office’s appeal, requesting a 10-year prison sentence, casting a shadow over the entire government. The case was used to suggest systemic rot and cover-ups at the highest levels of power. Particular criticism was also directed at the ruling Social Democrats and Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė, who was accused of incompetence and mismanagement.
Further panic was stoked through discussions around the German brigade stationed in Lithuania. Kremlin-aligned media falsely claimed that the brigade lacked proper authorization to operate and would be unable to defend Lithuania in case of a Russian attack. These assertions aimed to undermine trust in NATO’s presence and overall Lithuania’s defense readiness.
