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Latvia Weekly: How Kremlin Channels Paint Latvia as Collapsing

Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels persistently characterize Latvia as a failed state, portraying it as backwards and rural while spreading conspiracy theories about NATO biological laboratories and pension theft. These narratives aim to undermine Latvia’s sovereignty and Western integration.

Weekly Reports

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BRELL disconnection
February 3rd – February 9th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

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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BRELL disconnection
February 3rd – February 9th, 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

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 Police
January 27th – February 2nd, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

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 electricity grid
January 27th – February 2nd, 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

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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Donald Trump
January 20th – January 26th, 2025 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

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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NATO
January 20th – January 26th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

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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Defence
January 20th – January 26th, 2025 by Dmitri Teperik and Artur Aukon

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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January 13
January 13th – January 19th, 2025 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

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.

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Trump
January 13th – January 19th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Telegram Channels Use Trump to Undermine NATO and Baltics

Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels are using Trump’s image to advance anti-Western narratives, portraying NATO and Baltic States as aggressors while framing Trump’s presidency as a victory against liberal values. The messaging characterizes defensive actions by Baltic states – from military spending to infrastructure projects and NATO cooperation – as aggressive provocations, while portraying the Baltic states as American puppets whose interests will be marginalized under Trump in favor of Russian ones.

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