Baltic: Russian report on Russia’s “soft power” instruments in Baltics

Researchers at Russia’s Pskov State University have compiled an analytical report on the use of Russia’s “soft power” instruments in the Baltic States, Baltic News Network reports. The report discusses the challenges posed by restrictions on Russian propaganda in the region, suggesting alternative methods of influence. The report claims that people in the Baltic States live in an “information bubble,” making it difficult for Russian propaganda to reach them through traditional channels. The document emphasises the importance of social networks, pointing to popular pro-Russian pages on Telegram and VK. Janis Berzins, lead researcher at the Security and Strategic Research Centre of the Latvian National Defence Academy (NAA), said that Russian psychological influence operations now focus on exploiting societal weaknesses and distrust of institutions. The objective is to undermine the existing political system to install leaders aligned with Russia’s interests, aiming to turn neighbouring countries into Moscow’s satellite states.