Svetlana Burtseva obtained Estonian citizenship in 1994 through naturalization. Since 2017, she has been working in the Russian propaganda conglomerate “Rossia Segodnia“, writing about the developments in Estonia. Her articles were published in various online propaganda media, said prosecutor Eneli Lauritsa.
The indictment states that Burtseva was aware that her actions were illegal and continued the activity prohibited by the sanctions even after the Kremlin’s propaganda website “Sputnik Eesti” was closed in 2019 for violations of the sanctions.
In 2020-2023, Burtseva continued to create content for the propaganda website “Baltnews.ee” using the pseudonym Alan Torms.
The Estonian Prosecutor’s Office, based on the obtained evidence, believes that Burtseva deliberately violated international sanctions.
As KaPo pointed out, Burtseva worked as a propagandist on portals serving the Kremlin’s aggressive interests, and the investigation found that her actions were both a violation of international sanctions and treason.
In 2019-2021, Burtseva studied in the Sevastpol State University master’s program on information and hybrid conflicts in occupied Crimea, which was supervised and directed by a former Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) counterintelligence officer and head of a private intelligence firm registered in Russia. The aim of the two-year master’s program is to train international media workers and analysts who could “fight against the hybrid threat to Russia”, the prosecutor said.
After completing her studies, Burtseva together with the director of the program wrote the book “Hybrid war for the world”, and in it describes a global hybrid war in which Russia should win. The book was presented as written in Estonia, and, according to the prosecutor’s office, it was published as the work of political scientist LBSvet. LBSvets is Burtseva’s pseudonym, the prosecutor’s office found out.
The book belittles and discredits Estonia and its institutions, as well as attempts to divide Estonian society, the prosecutor said.
The prosecution believes that the evidence collected in the indictment confirms that Burtseva, as an Estonian citizen, has committed treason against the independence and sovereignty of Estonia through non-violent actions.
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Expert on Russian Propaganda, Svetlana Burtseva Case
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We have a complex and controversial topic to discuss: the case of Svetlana Burtseva, a naturalized Estonian citizen accused of continuing to engage in prohibited activities related to Russian propaganda. To help us delve deeper into this, we have Dr. Alexei Korolev, an expert in media studies and propaganda. Thank you for being here, Dr. Korolev.
Dr. Korolev: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, especially given the current geopolitical tensions.
Editor: Let’s start with Svetlana Burtseva. She obtained Estonian citizenship in 1994 but has been implicated in spreading Russian propaganda for several years. What does this duality of identity imply in the context of modern information warfare?
Dr. Korolev: It’s a fascinating yet troubling situation. Burtseva’s case illustrates how individuals can navigate dual identities to influence narratives from different sides. Her Estonian citizenship gives her a unique platform and access to both Norwegian and Russian perspectives, which she has exploited to serve the Kremlin’s agenda despite legal consequences. This highlights a broader trend where citizens may act against their country’s interests, often driven by ideological beliefs or financial incentives.
Editor: Indeed, the indictment suggests that Burtseva was aware of the illegality of her actions yet continued her work after the closure of the “Sputnik Eesti” site in 2019. What does this say about the motivations behind such actions?
Dr. Korolev: It implies a level of commitment to the cause, possibly rooted in political ideology or allegiance to Russia. For many involved in the propagation of state narratives, especially in the context of propaganda, the lines between legality, morality, and loyalty can become blurred. Burtseva’s continued output under a pseudonym indicates she was active despite recognizing the potential repercussions.
Editor: She operated under the pseudonym “Alan Torms” to create content for “Baltnews.ee” between 2020 and 2023. What are the implications of using a pseudonym in this context?
Dr. Korolev: Using a pseudonym serves multiple purposes. It can be a way to evade legal scrutiny, but it also allows individuals to separate their personal identities from their professional actions, particularly when those actions are controversial. Moreover, it speaks to the tactics employed by state-sponsored media: leveraging anonymity to continue influencing public opinion without facing direct accountability.
Editor: The Estonian Prosecutor’s Office claims to have gathered significant evidence against Burtseva. How does this reflect on the effectiveness of regulatory measures against propaganda?
Dr. Korolev: It’s a crucial development. Robust evidence collection is vital for actions against propaganda, especially when it involves individuals operating under the radar. This case also indicates that Estonia is proactive in countering disinformation, which is necessary in an age characterized by digital information warfare. However, it also raises broader questions about the balance between freedom of expression and national security.
Editor: What can other nations learn from Estonia’s approach to dealing with individuals like Burtseva?
Dr. Korolev: Nations must continually assess and enhance their legal frameworks to handle the evolving landscape of information warfare. It’s not enough to merely punish individuals like Burtseva; countries should also focus on education and public awareness campaigns about disinformation tactics. Furthermore, international cooperation can aid in emerging threats as these issues are rarely confined by borders.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Korolev, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. The case of Svetlana Burtseva serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of identity, legality, and moral responsibility in today’s interconnected world.
Dr. Korolev: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these discussions ongoing as we navigate the challenges posed by propaganda and disinformation.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us in this crucial discussion. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis from Time.news.