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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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