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Lithuania

January 20th - January 26th, 2025 | Week 73 | Month 17

Lithuania Weekly: Pushing Doubt Over Trump and Defence Spending

This week, pro-Kremlin media in Lithuania framed Trump’s inauguration as a threat to Western unity, predicting instability for Ukraine and Lithuania. Lithuanian politicians were criticized as shortsighted, while the government’s plan to allocate 5–6% of GDP to defense was mocked, with claims it would strain other sectors.

by Urtė Andriukaitytė
Donald Trump
Main channels: Youtube channels, Kremlin-aligned media outlets

10

Main narratives:

  • General anti-government sentiments;
  • Skepticism towards NATO functionality;
  • Discrediting Ukraine and its effort to win the war;
  • Anti-support for Ukraine;
  • The incompetence of the current government.

Overview:

This week, pro-Kremlin media in Lithuania dedicated significant attention to discussions surrounding Donald Trump’s inauguration, the speeches he delivered, the initial actions of his administration, and, most notably, the promises that sent shockwaves through the political landscape. These outlets painted a bleak future, not only for Ukraine but also for Lithuania, predicting increased instability and weakened Western unity. In addition, Lithuanian politicians were harshly criticized for their stance toward Trump, with pro-Kremlin narratives portraying their position as shortsighted.

At the same time, malign sources reacted with hostility to Lithuania’s commitment to allocating 5–6% of its GDP to defence. The decision was met with mockery and skepticism, with narratives designed to discredit the government’s determination to strengthen national security. Speculation ran rampant about where the necessary funds would come from, with suggestions that such spending was either unrealistic or would come at the expense of other critical sectors.

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