Experts from the Center for Countering Disinformation analyzed the information space of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and identified active Kremlin propaganda activities.
According to the report, after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Baltic countries significantly restricted access to Russian state media, so propagandists shifted to social networks such as Facebook, Telegram, TikTok, and the X network. As part of the study, Center specialists examined six Facebook pages with an audience of nearly 123,000 followers, nine Telegram channels with 78,000 readers, 12 TikTok accounts with 162,000 followers, and 15 accounts on the X network with 211,000 followers.
The Center found that the main narratives of Russian propaganda in the Baltic states were claims that the EU and NATO are allegedly preparing for war with Russia, and Moscow is merely responding to a threat. The theme of discrimination against the Russian-speaking population is also actively used. Among other theses are statements that aid to Ukraine is a mistake and harms the citizens of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, as well as attempts to popularize the Soviet past.
The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that Russian propaganda is currently forming the informational justification for the necessity of a military invasion of the Baltic countries under the pretext of protecting Russians. According to experts, the spread of such narratives indicates the likelihood of plans for aggression against Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia within the next four to six years.
