Lithuania warns that Moscow’s accusations of Baltic deportations aim to undermine democratic trust and provoke international disputes. Experts say such narratives prepare legal claims abroad.
The Lithuanian State Security Department called the Kremlin’s latest propaganda stunt the Russian Foreign Ministry’s claim about allegedly preparing the deportation of Russian-speaking residents by the Baltic states.
This is yet another propaganda stunt by the Russian Federation against the Baltic states, aimed at undermining trust in their democratic principles, splitting society along national lines, and discrediting these steadfast supporters of Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor on the international stage
– Lithuanian State Security Department
Context and consequences of Russian disinformation
The agency noted that Russian propaganda has long been spreading claims of alleged deportations. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, in the Baltic states there has indeed been an increase in the number of cases of cancellation of residence permits for Russian citizens on various grounds, but the Kremlin tries to present the eviction of individuals who have lost lawful grounds for staying as “deportations”.
Moreover, the State Security Department stated that such unfounded accusations could be part of Russia’s preparation to bring a case before the International Court of Justice against the Baltic states over alleged violations of the rights of the Russian-speaking population.
Such plans are part of a purposeful and systematic campaign by the Russian authoritarian regime to discredit the Baltic states on the international stage. Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, attempts by the Russian authoritarian regime to use international organizations as tools for actions aimed against the Baltic states have increased
– Lithuanian State Security Department
The agency also noted that these actions could be part of preparing to appeal to international bodies by Russia regarding alleged violations of the rights of the Russian-speaking population.
Earlier, Grigory Lukyanets, director of the Department for Multilateral Human Rights Cooperation of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the Baltic authorities are preparing for mass deportations of Russian-speaking residents.
On July 2, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that nearly all Seimas faction leaders agree that the constitutional provision prohibiting the placement of nuclear weapons on the country’s territory is outdated and should be repealed.
In conclusion, official Lithuanian authorities emphasize that such statements by the Russian Federation are an element of an information campaign, and the actual migration situation is governed by law and international law.