Report
Latvia Weekly: Disinformation Fuels Opposition to the Istanbul Convention
Ainars Šlesers of party Latvia First propagates false narratives claiming the Istanbul Convention promotes a “117 gender policy” and threatens traditional families, when the treaty actually focuses solely on preventing violence against women and domestic violence. He employs aggressive rhetoric against political opponents, repeatedly comparing Progressive party members to “Lenin,” sharing digitally altered images of them, and using terms like “gangsters” and accusations of “aggression” and “brainwashing” to delegitimize those who support the Convention.
Weekly Reports
Latvia Weekly: Lavrov’s Accusations and Russophobia in Latvia
Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels promoted the narrative of Russophobia in Latvia, citing the removal of Soviet monuments and investigations into pro-Kremlin figures as evidence. These channels also amplified Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov’s accusations of US aggression and his characterization of the Baltic States as US puppets.
Read more
Estonia Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Narratives Target Defense Efforts and EU Diplomacy
Anti-Estonian criticism has been triggered by military drills and a private company’s idea to supply air-defence missiles to Ukraine. In addition, pro-Kremlin groups discuss EU High Representative Kaja Kallas’ actions, including her visit to Kyiv and refusal to meet Lavrov on Malta.
Read more
Lithuania Weekly: DHL Plane Crash Sparks Conspiracy Theories
During the reporting week, the DHL cargo plane crash in Vilnius dominated Lithuanian headlines and sparked intense speculation. While officials pointed to technical issues or human error, Kremlin-aligned media framed the incident as a provocation against Russia, amplifying conspiracy theories about NATO aggression and regional instability.
Read more
Latvia Weekly: Kremlin Narratives Paint Latvia as a Failing State
During the monitoring period Kremlin-aligned and local conspiracy Telegram channels spread disinformation about Latvia, falsely portraying it as a failed state through narratives about high prices, alleged lack of democracy, alleged healthcare issues, and fabricated claims about US diplomatic services.
Read more
Estonia Weekly: Speculation About 2025 Blackouts & Migration Law
In early 2025, Estonia will disconnect from BRELL and connect to the European grid, sparking speculative fears of possible widespread blackouts. Social media commentators criticize Estonia’s proposed legislation to ban the use of the Russian language in residency applications, raising concerns about growing Russophobia in migration issues.
Read more
Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin Media Shifts Focus to Criticizing the Country’s Leadership
The “10 Minutes of Silence” protest on November 14 gathered approximately 5,000 people outside the Lithuanian parliament to oppose the inclusion of the “Nemuno Aušra” party in the governing coalition, led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, who is on trial for alleged antisemitic remarks. Critics, including President Gitanas Nausėda, have condemned the coalition as harmful to democratic values and human rights. Meanwhile, Kremlin-aligned media exploited the protests to amplify anti-Western narratives, portraying Lithuania as unstable and corrupt while aiming to erode trust in democratic institutions and support for Ukraine.
Read more
Latvia Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Narratives Paint Grim Picture of the Economy
During the monitoring period, Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels amplified negative economic narratives about Latvia, exploiting real challenges like post-inflation price increases. While Latvia did experience significant inflation, these channels deliberately exaggerated economic difficulties through hyperbolic claims about impending hunger, “price chaos,” and widespread unemployment forcing emigration. These exaggerated narratives were consistently framed to undermine public trust by portraying the government as indifferent to citizens’ economic hardships.
Read more
Estonia Weekly: No Values in Narva Coalition & Denial of Cable Sabotage
Public debate arises over the Narva coalition between Raik and Stalnuhhin, criticized by mainstream politicians in Estonia for potential provocations and values discrepancy. Social media ridicules the idea of sabotage causing damage to fiber-optic cables, implying Western blame on Russia is unjustified and biased.
Read more
Lithuania Weekly: Silent Protest Sparks Debate Over Coalition Controversy
The “10 Minutes of Silence” protest on November 14 gathered approximately 5,000 people outside the Lithuanian parliament to oppose the inclusion of the “Nemuno Aušra” party in the governing coalition, led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, who is on trial for alleged antisemitic remarks. Critics, including President Gitanas Nausėda, have condemned the coalition as harmful to democratic values and human rights. Meanwhile, Kremlin-aligned media exploited the protests to amplify anti-Western narratives, portraying Lithuania as unstable and corrupt while aiming to erode trust in democratic institutions and support for Ukraine.
Read moreShowing 118 to 126 of 304 results
Don’t miss a story.
We publish stories that change laws, lives, minds and the world. Subscribe to our newsletter to get our investigations delivered to your inbox.