Vladimir Putin’s Propaganda: This ‘Nazi State’ may witness possible Russian military invasion soon

Vladimir Putin’s propaganda machine has accused Lithuania of being a “Nazi state,” prompting warnings that Russia could be preparing for aggression against the NATO member. Experts say these claims mirror the narrative used before the Ukraine invasion and could be part of a larger Kremlin disinformation strategy.

Kremlin’s Narrative Against Lithuania

A Kremlin-funded 400-page book titled The History of Lithuania claims the Baltic nation glorifies Nazi Germany, questions its statehood, and alleges falsified history that fuels anti-Russian sentiment. The foreword, written by Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, supports these accusations. One of its authors, Maxim Grigoriev, has fought in Ukraine and leads a group accusing Ukrainians of neo-Nazi crimes.

Lithuania’s Foreign Office says the publication is intended to undermine the country’s identity, values, and sovereignty. Officials describe it as part of Russia’s ongoing propaganda efforts to justify possible aggression against neighbouring states.

Echoes of Ukraine Tactics

Analysts note that Putin used similar narratives to portray Ukraine as “artificial” and its citizens as Russians before launching the 2022 invasion. Security experts say the same strategy—claiming discrimination against Russian-speaking communities—could be used to justify moves against Lithuania.

Think tank director Alan Mendoza likened this approach to Hitler’s 1930s propaganda, where fabricated grievances against minorities were used to push territorial demands.

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Lithuania Geopolitical Vulnerability

Lithuania does not share a direct border with mainland Russia but has a 700km border with Belarus, a close ally of Moscow. It also borders Kaliningrad, a heavily militarised Russian exclave. Security analyst Anthony Glees warns that a military buildup in these areas could be the first stage of wider conflict in Europe.

Lithuania Military Exercises and Comparisons to 2021

Next month, Russia and Belarus will hold joint exercises involving 120,000 troops. Analysts compare this to the troop gatherings before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon says these drills, combined with propaganda, prepare the “mental landscape” for potential military action.

Lithuania’s Defensive Measures

Lithuania is reinforcing its security with forest barricades, anti-tank obstacles, and a secret reserve army. A deal with Germany will station 5,000 additional troops in the country. Plans are also underway to block the Belarus border to prevent a cross-border incursion.

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Ongoing Disinformation Campaigns

Political expert Nerijus Maliukevičius says Russia routinely produces such propaganda materials about Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. These “para-historic narratives” are designed to flood academic and public discourse with false claims, giving the Kremlin multiple justifications for future actions.

NATO’s Role and Early Warning Signs

Experts highlight that interference in Lithuania’s communications—both internal and with NATO headquarters—would be a key warning of impending action. Movement of troops, rockets, or heavy weaponry near the border would also indicate heightened risk.

Maliukevičius emphasises that Lithuania’s response must remain firm. He says constant preparedness, public drills, and visible readiness are crucial to deterring aggression, as shown in Ukraine’s resistance.

FAQs

Why is Russia accusing Lithuania of “Nazism”?
Russia’s propaganda claims Lithuania falsifies history and glorifies Nazi Germany. Experts say these accusations aim to justify possible aggression, similar to tactics used before invading Ukraine.

How is Lithuania responding to these threats?
Lithuania is strengthening defences, increasing NATO cooperation, recruiting reserve forces, and preparing border blockades to deter potential Russian or Belarusian military action.