Lithuania and Latvia warn of expanding Russian disinformation and potential attacks on NATO allies, officials and analysts said today.
Russia Intensifies Disinformation Operations
Latvian public broadcaster reports that Russia is recruiting mainly low‑income and young people to spread disinformation. Targets are sent via Telegram and during trips to Russia. Recruits distribute leaflets with offensive content in Ukrainian and distribute fake materials. Prosecutor Martins Jansons said Russian services send instructions via Telegram to print leaflets critical of Latvia’s state and security services, then display them across Latvian towns. The aim is to stoke national‑tension. Payments are modest – from a few dozen to several hundred euros. Even as low as 15 euros, recruits risk criminal liability but are willing to take it, said the prosecutor, noting that recruits are usually young and without permanent income.
Investigations Into Cooperation with Russia Rise
Latvian television reported that earlier this month Estonia arrested a blogger linked to Moscow propaganda media. Authorities say he operated on instructions from Russia. Latvia’s State Security Service has increased inquiries into ties with Russian entities, including funding of pro‑Russian structures by organizations linked to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Russia Could Attack NATO Country Before 2030
During a security conference in Vilnius, Lithuanian politician warned that within two to four years Russia might try to attack a NATO member. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius highlighted defence of the three Baltic states and lessons from Ukraine’s war as key challenges. He said intelligence from Germany, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands and the region confirms the urgency, and that Putin could test Article 5 within 2–4 years, potentially before 2030. Kubilius added the recent drone attacks on Poland in September showed Europe was unprepared to detect and neutralise UAVs.