The NAFO summit held in Vilnius was an informal event of the virtual community that has been countering Russian disinformation and propaganda since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The event included online ticket sales and was inaugurated by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
The summit featured various speakers, with the first day culminating in a “rehearsal of a beach party in Crimea.”
The Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, also addressed the participants of the NAFO Summit with a special message, expressing her regret at not being able to attend in person and wishing the event to be “as comprehensive as possible”.
Prominent world leaders and politicians actively engage in this informal movement. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov also used a NAFO avatar.
During the NAFO Summit, an auction was held, offering his “portrait” with a value of 1000 euros, and the proceeds are promised to be donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
NAFO also sells items and collects donations for Ukraine. The community was recognised for their efforts in March by the fundraising website United24 and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The NATO Summit, which Ukraine eagerly anticipates for a clear signal regarding its membership and political decisions, will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12.
What is NAFO?
NAFO (North Atlantic Fella Organization) is a virtual community and internet meme aimed at fighting Russian propaganda and disinformation amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The society, which began in May 2022, refers to its members as “fellas” and uses photographs of the peculiar Shiba Inu dog breed as Twitter avatars.