Main narratives:
- Skepticism towards NATO functionality;
- Inevitable war between NATO and Russia;
- Discrediting Ukraine and its effort to win the war;
- General anti-government sentiments;
- Anti-support for Ukraine.
Overview:
This week, pro-Kremlin media in Lithuania fiercely questioned NATO’s functionality and its role as a security guarantee for Lithuania, while also discussing the severe situation in Ukraine and the inevitability of an approaching war.
Pro-Kremlin media raised doubts about NATO as a reliable security guarantee for Lithuania, amplifying narratives designed to undermine trust in the alliance. Malign actors not only questioned NATO’s ability to protect Lithuania in a highly potential conflict but also propagated conspiracy theories about “who truly controls NATO.” These efforts aimed to diminish NATO’s role and prestige, portraying it as a tool of hidden powers rather than a collective defense organization. Such narratives sought to erode public confidence in the alliance and weaken its perceived legitimacy in ensuring regional security.
In addition, the pro-Kremlin media painted a very dark picture of Ukraine’s losses on the battlefield, highlighting failed mobilisations and alleged claims that Ukrainians no longer want to fight and “are hiding from these responsibilities by any means possible”. These actors also ensured that further war escalations were becoming inescapable. Throughout this week, narratives aimed to create a pessimistic outlook on Ukraine’s future and the course of the conflict, while reinforcing the idea of the war as an inevitable reality.
