NATO Plane's Contrails Spark Disinformation Wave on Midsummer's Eve in Latvia

On June 23, Midsummer's Eve, circular lines appeared in the sky over the Jurmala, Tukums, and Dobele regions, caused by a passing aircraft. This routine occurrence became fuel for disinformation spread by two local politicians on social media.

Andris Saulītis from the party "Jaunlatvieši" and Sergejs Belijs from the party "Latvija Pirmajā vietā" posted on Facebook claiming that chemical substances were being sprayed from the air. Saulītis made four posts, collectively garnering thousands of reactions and comments. Belijs' video with a commentary in Russian received over 200 reactions.

In reality, the aircraft was a NATO Boeing E-3A Sentry airborne early warning and control plane that took off from the Šiauliai base in Lithuania. It was conducting a planned reconnaissance flight, which are routine in the Baltic region. The trails left behind are contrails – ice clouds formed when water vapor condenses on fuel combustion particles at altitudes where temperatures reach -40 degrees Celsius. These trails are harmless and dissipate quickly.

The chemtrail conspiracy theory emerged in the 1990s. Scientists, including Harvard University researchers, have repeatedly stated there is no evidence for it. Even former US security contractor Edward Snowden has dismissed the theory.

Politicians use such theories to discredit opponents, sow distrust in media and science, and create a "we vs them" narrative, especially before elections. This helps them gain support from people who prefer emotional messages over accurate information.