The Estonian Internal Security Service (Kapo) states that Russia is attempting to influence Russian-speaking youth. For this purpose, they use social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube. They also employ artificial intelligence and deepfakes to spread misinformation.
Kapo Director General Margo Palloson said that the Kremlin's supporters in Estonia are mainly older people. Therefore, Russia wants to attract younger people to its side. They organize online contests, concerts, and games to catch the attention of youth.
One example is the "Memory Train" project, which introduces young people to Russian history. This project includes trips to Russian memorial sites. Kapo warns that these trips may be covert recruitment attempts.
The Arteki youth camp is also part of Russian propaganda. There, young people are taught militaristic ideas and introduced to military personnel. Kapo emphasizes that such activities are dangerous and provide youth with misinformation.
Russian universities are also dangerous. Kapo says that students there may be monitored and recruited for intelligence services. Therefore, Kapo warns Estonian youth against studying in Russia.