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Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin Media Exploit Belarus Tensions

This week, pro-Kremlin outlets in Lithuania focused their coverage on debates surrounding Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and the country’s fraught relations with Belarus, alleging the government manipulates public messaging and stirs tensions for political gain. Concurrently, the narrative around low-flying balloon incidents was leveraged to question Lithuania’s crisis readiness, while commentator efforts to normalise rapprochement with Belarus surfaced in social-media circles – signalling persistent attempts to sway public perception and undermine Lithuania’s strategic alignment.

Weekly Reports

7
Donald Trump
November 4th – November 10th, 2024 by Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Trump’s Election Inspires Kremlin Supporters  

Some pro-Kremlin narratives emerged in the Estonian information space in response to the recent US presidential elections, with some voices advocating the normalization of US-Russian relations. Constitutional amendments proposed by the Estonian government could deprive Russian and Belarusian citizens of the right to vote, leading to accusations of failed integration and potential radicalization.

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12
Elections in Lithuania
October 28th – November 3rd, 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Social Democrat Leader Rejecting Prime Minister Post

Media in Lithuania spotlighted the Social Democratic Party’s (LSDP) parliamentary victory, marking a political shift amid rising discontent with the ruling Homeland Union. Kremlin-aligned media used this result to amplify narratives of instability and voter disillusionment, questioning Lithuania’s resilience under economic hardship and its alignment with Western policies.

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5
Latvia rail
October 28th – November 3rd, 2024 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Economic Decisions Under Fire

Recent narratives in Latvian media depict the economy as faltering, with critiques of major projects like Rail Baltica, described as a “bottomless pit” draining resources. Claims also suggest that disconnecting from the Russia-Belarus BRELL power grid in favor of European synchronization will drive up electricity costs.

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5
October 28th – November 3rd, 2024 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Debate Heats Up Over Voting Rights and the Russian Church

This week two major stories developed in the Estonian information space, where they provoked negative discussions and reactions from some Russian speakers. In this context, the issue of voting rights and the future status of the Russian Orthodox Church in Estonia will remain socio-politically resonant issues that can potentially be used in disinformation campaigns and the promotion of hostile narratives.

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10
putin
October 21st – October 27th, 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin Media Portrays Shift Toward a Multipolar World

Kremlin-backed media portrayed the BRICS group as an emerging global force poised to challenge the current world order. These outlets emphasized the alleged decline of U.S. dominance, pointing to the summit as evidence of a growing multipolar world led by powers like China and Russia.

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7
farming
October 21st – October 27th, 2024 by Otto Tabuns

Latvia Weekly: Farmers Voice Concerns Over EU Regulations

Latvian farmers are raising concerns about the European Union’s agricultural policies, which they argue have burdened the industry with excessive bureaucracy. Critics say that these regulations hinder productivity and place additional strain on an already challenging sector.

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8
voting
October 21st – October 27th, 2024 by Olevs Nikers

Estonia Weekly: Voting Rights Debate

Recent discussions in Estonian media highlight disagreements over the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian residents from voting in local elections.

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12
October 14th – October 20th, 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: “Foxpay” Scandal and Election Echoes

Lithuanian prosecutors have launched a major investigation into financial technology company Foxpay, suspecting property crimes and corruption. Key individuals, including Ieva Trinkūnaitė and Mindaugas Navickas, have been detained amid allegations of money laundering and bribery. Meanwhile, Kremlin-aligned media focused on election transparency concerns and highlighted claims of a mass surrender by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, further attempting to undermine Ukraine’s war effort.

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7
October 14th – October 20th, 2024 by Otto Tabuns

Latvia Weekly: Narratives of NATO Distrust and EU Criticism Amid Migrant Debate

During the examined week, key narratives centered on distrust in NATO unity and negative sentiment toward EU policies on migration and climate change. An opposition party member claimed that while Eastern Europe faces war on its borders, Western Europe battles a “war on its streets” caused by migrants, described as uncivilized and a societal threat. TikTok remained the leading platform for reach and engagement, especially among Russian and Latvian-speaking audiences, while activity on X (formerly Twitter) declined.

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