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Latvia Weekly: Ethnic Persecution Claims and Conspiratorial Rhetoric

The Antifascists of Pribaltics and Roslikovs’ Telegram channels amplified narratives of ethnic persecution, moral decline, and Western control to portray Latvia as hostile to Russian speakers. Together, they deepen societal divisions and exploit legal and political tensions to fuel populist and pro-Kremlin sentiment.

Weekly Reports

9
Stop Putin
June 2nd – June 8th, 2025 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Media Amplifies Anti-Ukraine Narratives

Pro-Kremlin voices in Lithuania reignited criticism of Ukraine and Lithuanian foreign policy following a major Ukrainian strike against Russian air forces. Malign actors mocked President Nausėda’s call for continued support to Ukraine and questioned NATO’s reliability, while pushing disinformation about looming civil unrest and vilifying the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union as a threat to national stability.

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3
Aleksejs Roslikovs
June 2nd – June 8th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Roslikovs’ Outburst Sparks a Viral Storm

Party National Alliance and leader of Stability party Aleksejs Roslikovs created a major political scandal. The National Alliance proposed a declaration in the Parliament calling to restrict use of Russian language in public spaces (which was rejected by the Parliament). Roslikovs reacted to this proposal using inflammatory language and gestures in the Parliament. This incident clearly illustrates how nationalist and Russian political parties exploit each other’s actions to fuel both domestic tensions and Kremlin’s propaganda narratives.

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6
Tallinn
June 2nd – June 8th, 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Cultural Renamings and Climbing Unemployment Fuel De-Russification Fears

Pro-Kremlin commentators have criticized Estonia’s government for its worst unemployment rate in 12 years, citing targeted policies against Russian speakers and Russian culture in Estonia.

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10
Award
May 26th – June 1st, 2025 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Vaitkus Award Controversy Used to Undermine the Government

Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania continued to amplify the fallout from Eduardas Vaitkus’s award revocation, portraying it as a symbol of authoritarianism and political bias. The narrative was echoed by publisher Vitas Tomkus, whose provocative protest framed state honors as tools of loyalty, reinforcing broader efforts to discredit Lithuania’s leadership and its Western alignment.

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5
Saeima
May 26th – June 1st, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: the Use of Social Media to Cast Government as Threat

The Alliance of Young Latvians positioned themselves as sole defenders of public safety and minority rights by highlighting criminal incidents in Riga, promoting anti-immigration sentiment, and repeatedly showcasing anonymous hateful comments towards their leaders. They were constructing an anti-establishment narrative that portrays them as the only politicians genuinely concerned about public safety, environmental risks, and persecution of Russian speakers.

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7
Tallinn pride
May 26th – June 1st, 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Pride Event Sparks Backlash as Kremlin-Aligned Narratives Resurface

Tallinn’s Pride event drew backlash from pro-Kremlin voices accusing Estonia of eroding traditional values and sidelining economic priorities. Speculative posts about police training with water cannons were used to stoke fears of government repression, highlighting how neutral events can be twisted to fuel disinformation.

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11
Vilnius
May 19th – May 25th, 2025 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin Narratives Turn Austerity into a Punchline

Government claims that rising taxes are tied to national defense sparked ridicule from Kremlin-aligned commentators. Satirical slogans and memes painted austerity as a cover for elite interests, with sarcastic quips like, “Land Rovers for 120k won’t buy themselves – let’s all chip in!”

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5
Alliance of Young Latvians
May 19th – May 25th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Exploiting a Viral Video to Reinforce Ethnic Bias Claims

The Alliance of Young Latvians extensively exploited a viral video of a woman at a judo competition shouting “Wipe your tears! It doesn’t matter! He’s Russian!” to her son, with both leaders making multiple posts attacking the woman personally and investigating her political connections. This coordinated response demonstrates how the party amplifies isolated incidents to construct broader narratives about systematic anti-Russian discrimination within Latvia’s political establishment.

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8
Narva
May 19th – May 25th, 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

Estonia Weekly: Government Moves in Narva Fuel Propaganda

At a ministerial meeting in Narva, the Estonian government confirmed plans for a permanent military base, a regional command centre and enhancements to energy security. Pro-Kremlin critics accused the government of oversecuritising the region, escalating tensions with Russia and violating freedom of speech.

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