Report
Lithuania Weekly: Žemaitaitis’ Scandal Downplayed by Pro-Kremlin Media
Over the past week, Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania focused on downplaying fears about Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine, portraying him as a peace-seeking leader and dismissing criticism of his foreign policy as hypocrisy. At the same time, these outlets amplified narratives that Western governments exaggerate the Russian threat to serve the interests of the military-industrial complex, accusing Lithuania of fearmongering to justify increased defense spending. Meanwhile, while Lithuanian media erupted over the Remigijus Žemaitaitis scandal, pro-Kremlin sources largely ignored it or framed him as a victim of political persecution rather than a politician caught deceiving his supporters.
Weekly Reports
Estonia Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Commentators Praise Trump’s Statements
Pro-Kremlin commentators welcomed Trump’s statements on talks with Russia, highlighting Europe’s impotence and mocking Estonia’s poor relations with Moscow. Another critical narrative highlighted that 53% of Estonians do not rely on the state in times of crisis, with less than 40% trusting the government.
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Lithuania Weekly: Disinformation on Lithuania’s BRELL Disconnection
Kremlin-aligned media spread fear about the Baltic states’ BRELL disconnection, warning of power outages and soaring prices. A viral post by ex-Seimas member Mindaugas Puidokas falsely linked a gas station issue to the transition, amplifying Kremlin narratives aimed at undermining trust in Baltic governments.
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Latvia Weekly: Russian Propaganda Reacts to Baltic States’ BRELL Withdrawal
Russian propaganda narratives about Baltic states’ withdrawal from the BRELL electricity network range from legitimate concerns about rising costs to mockery and doomsaying. Russian outlets and commentators focus on negative aspects, such as price increases and subservience to the EU, while ignoring the enhanced energy security benefits of joining the European power grid.
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Estonia Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Conspiracy Theories on Energy Security
Pro-Russian commentators on social media threatened energy shortages and blackouts because of Estonia’s planned desynchronisation from the BRELL electricity grid.
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Latvia Weekly: Russophobic Incidents
A high-ranking Latvian police chief in Latgale sparked controversy by allegedly referring to ethnic Russian officers as “occupiers,” drawing criticism from Russian-aligned media and local politicians. The incident, along with criticism of other allegedly Russophobic incidents in Latvia, highlight the ongoing tensions in Latvia over language rights and historical memory of the Soviet period.
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Estonia Weekly: Speculative Panic Alerts about Blackouts
Pro-Russian commentators on social media threatened energy shortages and blackouts because of Estonia’s planned desynchronisation from the BRELL electricity grid.
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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.
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Latvia Weekly: Telegram Channels Exploit Trump to Undermine Baltic Security
Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels are pushing narratives that target Baltic states by depicting them as dependent on the United States, while simultaneously using Trump’s statements to undermine NATO solidarity and regional security. The channels promote a conspiracy theory about the US military-industrial complex controlling Trump, while characterizing US-Baltic relationships as corrupt arrangements built on “cozy schemes.” These messages are complemented by local actors who leverage Trump’s positions to advance anti-LGBTQ messaging, COVID-19 conspiracies, and criticism of Latvia’s independent media and government.
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Estonia Weekly: Defense Spending Proposal Sparks Dispute
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal proposed raising defence spending to 5% of GDP. Pro-Russian social media users criticised the move. Pro-Kremlin commentators expressed irony, while others praised Trump’s new policy and some hoped for the cancellation of the green deal in Europe.
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