Main narratives:
- General anti-government sentiments;
- portraying Lithuania as an authoritarian country;
- Lithuanians are Russophobes.
Overview:
Over the past week, Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania have focused on debates surrounding the formation of the “fifth column” in the Parliament – a term referring to internal factions that secretly undermine a country, in favour of an external adversary. The discussion was sparked by MP Saulius Skvernelis, who warned that such a group could emerge depending on Lithuania’s resilience. President Gitanas Nausėda echoed these concerns while Giedrius Paluckas dismissed the claims as “way too exaggerated”. Kremlin-aligned media seized on these disagreements, portraying them as signs of instability within Lithuania’s political landscape.
Another widely covered story involved a young Lithuanian singer who refused military service, stating that no one is obligated to do anything and that “he is against the art of killing” – this phrase was constantly quoted throughout the week. Kremlin-backed outlets framed his stance as a fight for individual rights and “aspiration for peace with peaceful measures,” while criticizing Lithuania’s military conscription policies, portraying them as oppressive.
Kremlin-aligned media continued to use such issues to amplify discord, casting doubt on Lithuania’s political stability and the unity of its citizens. By highlighting internal disputes and portraying the government as authoritarian, malign outlets aimed to weaken public trust in national institutions and Lithuania’s defense policies.
