{
  "id": 12297027,
  "title": "Fake NATO deaths, Epstein claims and drones: how Russia targets elections in the Baltics",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/fake-nato-deaths-epstein-claims-and-drones-how-russia-targets",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:20:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/06/fake-nato-deaths-epstein-claims-and-drones-how-russia-targets-elections-in-the-baltics"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "False narratives, including claims of Jeffrey Epstein connections and a Ukrainian soldier killing NATO servicemen, were used in disinformation campaigns to undermine trust and create confusion ahead of elections in Latvia and Estonia, according to a Refute report. The campaigns exploited genuine concerns surrounding Russia's war in Ukraine, NATO involvement, drones, and border security. These fabricated narratives were tailored to specific audiences and platforms, with some claims even being given more credibility by linking them to real events. The fabricated content, including a video claiming a Ukrainian soldier killed three NATO servicemen during a military exercise, spread across multiple languages and platforms, reaching millions of viewers. Similar fake news sites targeted Estonia, linking the outgoing and incoming presidents to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged network. Additionally, a fabricated story claimed a Ukrainian drone damaged two Portuguese F-16s near an Estonian air base, aiming to erode trust in Ukraine, question Estonian support for Kyiv, and cast doubt on Estonian air defenses. These tactics reflect Russia's systematic targeting of information ecosystems in the Baltic states and beyond, putting these NATO and EU members, as well as their support for Ukraine, at risk.",
  "summary": "Russia-linked disinformation campaigns targeting elections in Estonia and Latvia have focused less on individual candidates or the voting process itself and more on sowing confusion around the security issues shaping voters’ decisions, according to a new report.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Russia's disinformation campaigns in Latvia and Estonia reveal a tactic of exploiting genuine concerns and real events to spread false narratives, eroding trust in institutions and support for Ukraine.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/12297027.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Voice of Ukraine",
        "title": "Russia testing balloon-suspended nets to defend against Ukrainian drones",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/russia-testing-balloon-suspended-nets-to-defend-against-ukrainian",
        "published": "2026-10-05T22:36:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Kyiv Independent",
        "title": "Ukrainian drones reportedly attack Moscow Oblast in mass attack near Russia's capital",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-attack-moscow-oblast-in-mass-attack-near",
        "published": "2026-10-06T00:00:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}