Disinfo: Lithuania is one of the least peaceful countries in Europe

Summary

Lithuania is one of the least peaceful countries in Europe according to the “Global Peace Index”. Lithuania is on 36th position.

Disproof

A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative portraying Lithuania as an aggressive, unfriendly and unpeaceful country.

The message is highly manipulative. The “Global Peace Index 2020” ranked 163 countries, putting Lithuania on 36th position, not far from its neighbours - Latvia (34th position), Estonia (30th position), and Poland (29th position). The infographic presented in the article does not include Russia, which is, for comparison, on 154th position according to the “Global Peace Index 2020”.

See similar cases of disinformation when Lithuania was accused of being guilty of bad relations with Russia, portrayed as a bridgehead for the US cyber forces or as the country which (together with Poland) wants to colonise Belarus and Ukraine.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 229
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27/01/2021
  • Outlet language(s) Lithuanian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Lithuania
  • Keywords: Central Europe, Europe
see more

Disinfo: The "handwriting" of Kyiv puppeteers was discovered in Russia

The “handwriting” of Kyiv puppeteers, who had a hand in the protests in Belarus, was discovered in Russia. “Demanding justice” activists of unknown origin, probably began to prepare raids on security officials who controlled order at illegal actions (street protests) in support of blogger Alexei Navalny.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about Alexei Navalny, Belarus and Ukraine, and Ukraine being somehow involved in the protests in Belarus, and now in Russia.

The article cites an expert, who says that there is a Telegram channel about Russian "punishers", where "they" intend to "drain" the data of the security forces. And, allegedly, it is controlled from Kyiv. But, as usual, absolutely no evidence is given.

Disinfo: The West needs Alexey Navalny to destabilise the situation in Russia

The West needs this “leader”(Alexey Navalny) to destabilise the situation in Russia, for social upheaval, strikes and new “Maidans”. What this can lead to, we see the example of Ukraine, which has practically lost its independence.

Disproof

Disinformation built around the concept of ubiquitous Russophobia and anti-Russian provocations by Western countries to encircle and destabilise Russia and Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny. The article also contains a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about lost sovereignty undermining Ukrainian statehood.

Alexei Navalny is a founder and leader of the "Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which has investigated embezzlement from the state budget, uncovered the lives of Russian politicians and businessmen close to the government and different corruption practices. FBK's goal is to eliminate corruption. Their funding comes from donations and therefore the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation recognised FBK as a "foreign agent" due to the Russian "foreign agent" law, since they receive donations from outside Russia. However, FBK does not agree with this claim and is trying to appeal it in court.

Disinfo: The West needs Navalny to create new “Maidans”

Western countries need this “activist” [Alexei Navalny] to destabilise the situation in Russia, for social upheaval, strikes, and new Maidans.

We have the example of Ukraine where this can lead to, with Ukraine in practice having lost its independence.

Disproof

Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, aiming to deflect the authorities' responsibility in his poisoning attempt and to discredit him by portraying him as a puppet of the West, and another example of disinformation narratives about the 2013-2014 Maidan protests and Ukrainian statehood.

Contrary to the claim, which is not backed by any evidence, Alexei Navalny is an independent Russian politician, not a pawn of any foreign government.