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Lithuania Weekly: Pro-Kremlin Media Targets January 13th Commemoration

This week, pro-Kremlin media in Lithuania sought to undermine the significance of January 13th, the Day of the Defenders of Freedom, criticizing the “exaggerated sacralization” of the occasion and the forget-me-not symbol of remembrance. Additionally, the resignation of Agnė Širinskienė from the “Nemuno Aušra” party was leveraged to amplify anti-government narratives, fueling skepticism about the ruling authorities and their policies. These efforts aim to erode national unity and trust in Lithuania’s leadership.

Weekly Reports

9
Vilnius Winter
December 23rd – December 29th, 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Festive Season, Same Agenda

Amid the festive Christmas season, Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania continued its routine of targeting the government with a broad range of criticisms. This week, YouTube videos dominated the conversation, mocking politicians and questioning the country’s sovereignty. Popular narratives included claims of an “Earthquake in the ruling coalition,” an “avalanche of government secrets,” and skepticism over Lithuania’s energy independence. These narratives aimed to undermine trust in the government and reinforce doubts about national progress and independence.

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5
Donald Trump
December 23rd – December 29th, 2024 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Trump’s Territorial Proposals

Social media posts amplified Trump’s statements about US territorial expansion (regarding Canada, Panama, and Greenland). While mostly factual, this messaging undermines international norms by promoting a transactional view of territorial sovereignty. Such rhetoric inadvertently aligns with Russian interests by normalizing territorial claims based on historical or economic arguments—similar to those used to justify Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

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11
Tallin ferry
December 23rd – December 29th, 2024 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Sabotage of Undersea Power Cables

Estonia’s energy dependence and inability to secure underwater cables have been criticized on social media, with Estonian and Finnish authorities blaming Russian hybrid interference. Tallinn’s Christmas market closure, criticized by Russian-speaking users, has led to accusations of Russophobia, with some suggesting it should remain open until Orthodox Christmas.

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10
Kornelija Dūdaitė
December 16th – December 22nd, 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Make russia Small Again

The disqualification of Lithuanian athlete Kornelija Dūdaitė at the 2024 Functional Sports World Championships in Budapest highlighted the intersection of sports and politics. Wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “make russia small again” in protest against perceived violations of neutrality rules for Russian athletes, Dūdaitė’s act sparked widespread debate. While she received domestic praise for her principled stance, Kremlin-aligned media framed her protest as Russophobia and defended her disqualification as a necessary stand against politicizing sports. The incident underscored deeply polarized views on Russia’s role in international events, reflecting the broader societal divide on geopolitical issues.

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5
Riga
December 16th – December 22nd, 2024 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Accusations of a Rebirth of Nazism

Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels falsely portrayed Latvia as Nazi sympathizers. Additional baseless claims accused Latvia’s government of intentionally decreasing its population under secret EU directives. Notable propaganda posts included unsubstantiated accusations of historical revisionism in Latvian textbooks and mockery of Prime Minister Evika Silina. These narratives aimed to undermine Baltic opposition to Russian policies by depicting these states as both Nazi sympathizers and irrationally anti-Russian.

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7
Narva
December 16th – December 22nd, 2024 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Queues at the Russian Border and Accusations of Anti-Semitism

Before Christmas, the Estonian-Russian border became tense with long queues and slow checks, leading to dissatisfaction and criticism of the government’s inability to improve conditions. Meanwhile, the Estonian Academy of Arts faced backlash and accusations of anti-Semitism.

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11
Seimas
December 9th – December 15th, 2024 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Targeting Lithuania’s Government with Criticism and Conspiracy Theories

Kremlin-aligned Lithuanian media amplified anti-government narratives this week, criticizing Lithuania’s pro-Western stance and support for Ukraine as detrimental to its sovereignty. Articles also highlighted economic challenges, drawing parallels with social crises in Europe and questioning the EU’s capitalist model. Additionally, narratives claimed Ukraine is losing the war, suggesting peace depends on NATO abandonment and territorial concessions.

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5
Riga
December 9th – December 15th, 2024 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Russophobia Claims and Allegations of Double Standards in Sanctions

Pro-Kremlin social media channels have been spreading critical narratives about Latvia, alleging Russophobia through claims about language education policies and monument removals. Other posts argue that sanctions against Russia have harmed Latvia’s economy or that Latvia is inconsistent in applying international sanctions.

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9
December 9th – December 15th, 2024 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: The Orthodox Church Controversy

The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC MP) is in a public dispute with the Ministry of Interior over its canonical ties. NATO allies and the Estonian government are being criticized for irrational defense spending.

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