Report
Estonia Weekly: Kremlin Narratives Exploit Debate on Conscription Language Rules
Both the debate over restricting conscription to B1-level Estonian speakers and the dismissal of a Russian-language school director were seized upon, especially in pro-Kremlin online spaces, to portray Estonia’s language policies as discriminatory.
Weekly Reports
Estonia Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Propaganda Targets Baltic Incidents
Pro-Kremlin commentators have exploited maritime incidents in the Baltic Sea and the testing of an emergency alert system to depict Estonia and NATO as acting in an aggressive manner that endangers regional stability.
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Lithuania Weekly: May 9th as a Propaganda Tool
Kremlin-aligned media amplified Victory Day commemorations while accusing Lithuania of attempting to erase historical memory. President Nausėda’s criticism of the Moscow parade sparked a coordinated backlash, fueling claims that Baltic leaders are disrespectful of Russian traditions. Disinformation sources further misled audiences with unrelated headlines and narratives portraying Lithuania as ideologically lost and historically ignorant – reinforcing broader efforts to divide society and bolster pro-Russian sentiment.
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Latvia Weekly: How a Fringe Party Leveraged Disinformation for Political Ascent
The Alliance of Young Latvians, led by Glorija Grevcova and Rūdolfs Brēmanis, has gained significant social media traction by promoting pro-Kremlin narratives that frame Russian speakers as victims of systematic persecution in Latvia, while simultaneously advancing conspiratorial claims about international organizations like the WHO. As this formerly fringe political entity approaches potential representation in upcoming elections, their strategic amplification of manufactured victimhood narratives and sovereignty-based conspiracies demonstrates the mainstreaming of Kremlin-aligned disinformation within Latvia’s political discourse.
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Estonia Weekly: Europe Day and Victory Day Clash in Narva
Tensions escalated during Europe Day and so-called ‘Victory Day’ celebrations, with Russia intensifying propaganda efforts. Pro-Kremlin social media commentators criticize Europe’s Day as artificial, highlighting 9 May as ‘Victory Day’ for millions of Russians and accusing Estonia of rewriting WWII history.
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Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Media Targets Lithuanian Leadership
This past week, Kremlin-aligned outlets seized on a protest in Vilnius against the proposed real estate tax, using it as a platform for conspiracy theories and anti-government rhetoric. Alongside slogans portraying the tax as an attack on ordinary citizens, commentary amplified the coincidental timing of a fire at a nearby waste facility, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to suppress protest turnout. The tax itself was framed as a corrupt scheme by political elites, furthering narratives aimed at eroding trust in Lithuania’s leadership and democratic institutions.
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Latvia Weekly: The Rise of the Union of New Latvians
The previously fringe party Union of New Latvians, led by Glorija Grevcova and Rūdolfs Brēmanis, has gained significant social media traction and is now projected to potentially enter the Riga city council in June elections. Their viral content focuses on portraying Latvia as failing economically, alleging anti-Russian discrimination, promoting anti-globalist conspiracy theories, and positioning Grevcova as the authentic representative of Russian-speaking Latvians.
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Estonia Weekly: Debate Over Expanding Surveillance Infrastructure
Pro-Kremlin commentators on social media have criticised the Estonian government for expanding surveillance infrastructure to disrupt dialogue and spread conspiracy theories. A heated debate has erupted over the use of Russian in medical institutions, sparking a backlash on social media and potential Kremlin propaganda.
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Lithuania Weekly: Protest Against the Planned Real Estate Tax
This past week, Kremlin-aligned outlets seized on a protest in Vilnius against the proposed real estate tax, using it as a platform for conspiracy theories and anti-government rhetoric. Alongside slogans portraying the tax as an attack on ordinary citizens, commentary amplified the coincidental timing of a fire at a nearby waste facility, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to suppress protest turnout. The tax itself was framed as a corrupt scheme by political elites, furthering narratives aimed at eroding trust in Lithuania’s leadership and democratic institutions.
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Latvia Weekly: Weaponizing Identity and Language
Pro-Kremlin Telegram accounts in Latvia push narratives that undermine Latvian sovereignty by portraying it as a Western puppet state with decadent values while glorifying the Russian imperial period. These accounts, including political candidate Roslikovs from the Stability party, also amplify claims of anti-Russian discrimination in Latvia, particularly around language rights, while promoting anti-government sentiment by portraying Latvian authorities as corrupt and exploitative.
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