Extensive Russian Disinformation Operations Target Poland's Elections and Support for Ukraine

Warsaw, Poland – Russian disinformation campaigns continue to actively target Poland, aiming to sow discord, undermine public trust, and weaken the nation's steadfast support for Ukraine. Recent analyses reveal a persistent and multifaceted effort by Russian propagandists, which has drawn sharp criticism from Polish figures. Armand Domalewski, commenting on the nature of these campaigns, stated, > "Russian propagandists think you will fall for this moronic lie because they think Polish people are just moronic rubes."

These operations manifest through various channels, including Polish-language Telegram groups and sophisticated "Doppelganger" networks on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). These channels often mimic legitimate news sources or create fabricated personas to spread pro-Kremlin narratives. Experts note that while Telegram may not be widely used in Poland, false messages originating there are amplified among extremist groups and then disseminated across broader social media platforms.

Key narratives propagated by these campaigns include strong anti-European Union sentiment, questioning financial support for Ukraine, and discrediting Polish government figures. Some disinformation even falsely accuses Poland of planning to annex parts of western Ukraine, framing NATO exercises as preparations for such aggression. These efforts aim to exploit existing societal divisions and anxieties, such as economic concerns and attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees.

The campaigns are part of Russia's broader "shadow war" against Western nations, employing information operations to achieve strategic goals without direct military confrontation. Despite the persistence of these efforts, Polish authorities and cybersecurity experts are actively working to identify and counter Russian influence. However, the continuous evolution of these tactics poses an ongoing challenge to national security and information integrity.