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Estonia Weekly: Seizure of Sanctioned Tanker Sparks Kremlin Backlash
Estonia's navy has seized the Kiwala, a flagless oil tanker linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet', in its first direct seizure in the Baltic Sea, despite accusations from pro-Kremlin commentators that it was overstepping its capabilities and potentially provoking inter-state tensions. Pro-Kremlin social media users also accuse the Estonian authorities of public Russophobia and violating the rights of the Russian-speaking minority.
Read moreEstonia Weekly: Propaganda Targets Censorship and Spending
Pro-Kremlin commentators accuse Estonia of censorship and violating freedom of speech after expelling a Russian nationalist Konstantin Gorlov from the country. Dissatisfaction with Estonia's economic situation has led to online over a pay rise for public sector employees, including members of parliament and ministers.
Read moreEstonia Weekly: Allegations of Discrimination Against Russians
The Estonian parliament's recent constitutional amendment excluding third-country nationals and stateless persons from voting has sparked controversy among pro-Kremlin commentators, who argue that it discriminates against and marginalises long-term residents, including Russian and Belarusian citizens. Pro-Kremlin commentators have criticised Estonia's law on churches and congregations, claiming it is part of a "Russophobic policy" aimed at persecuting Russian Orthodox believers.
Read moreEstonia Monthly: Citizenship Reform and Church Bill Fuel Pro-Kremlin Narratives
Two landmark decisions by the Estonian Parliament in March - restricting local voting rights to EU citizens and severing church ties with Moscow - sparked a wave of reaction on Russian-language social media. Kremlin-aligned voices praised opposition figures who rejected the bills, particularly EKRE’s Varro Vooglaid, whose criticism of the church bill was widely amplified. His conservative rhetoric resonated with pro-Kremlin narratives, potentially drawing Russian-speaking voters toward Estonia’s far-right and opening new channels for influence campaigns.
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