Poland Launches Georgian News Service to Counter Russian Disinformation

Poland has launched a Georgian-language news service aimed at combating Russian disinformation and providing a European perspective on current affairs in the region. The initiative, called VT Sakartvelo News (“Sakartvelo” being Georgia’s name in Georgian), is a joint effort between Poland’s foreign ministry and public broadcaster TVP.

The new service will broadcast regular news programming via satellite on Belsat, a Poland-based Belarusian channel, while also maintaining a dedicated YouTube channel. It represents the latest addition to Poland’s growing portfolio of foreign-language media services targeting its eastern neighbors.

“We are creating services whose mission is to support democratic processes in the South Caucasus countries, strengthen stability in the region, and combat Russian disinformation,” explained Jerzy Sałodki, editorial director of Vot Tak, TVP’s Russian-language channel. He emphasized the service’s commitment to neutrality, stating, “We do not take sides in the political disputes of the countries to which our programs are directed. In this complex situation, reliability, freedom of information, and objectivity are paramount.”

Georgia faces significant challenges from Russian influence, with approximately 20% of its territory under Russian occupation since 2008. The country’s political landscape shifted following the 2024 elections, which saw the Georgian Dream party push the nation closer to Moscow while distancing it from potential EU membership.

Poland, along with France and Germany, expressed concerns about the conduct of these elections. Warsaw subsequently imposed sanctions on eight Georgian officials allegedly responsible for violence against protesters following the vote.

The Polish foreign ministry described VT Sakartvelo News as aiming to “provide reliable information on political, social, and economic events from a European perspective and to support democratic processes.” Rati Mujiri, the editor of the new service, emphasized their commitment to “tell the truth about what the EU is doing for Georgia” and “bringing viewers closer to the European perspective.”

The launch has not been without controversy. Georgian station TV Imedia, which supports the Georgian Dream government, criticized one of the main presenters, Natia Koberidze, labeling her a “propagandist of the Saakashvili regime,” referring to former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

This Georgian-language initiative is part of TVP’s broader strategy to expand its international broadcasting footprint. In December 2024, the broadcaster established an International Media Centre to coordinate its foreign-language programming, which already included English, Belarusian, and Russian services.

Since then, TVP has launched additional services in Ukrainian, Romanian (targeting Moldova), and Armenian. The Moldovan channel has reportedly garnered 5.5 million views since early February 2026. TVP has also revealed plans to develop a service aimed at Kazakhstan, further extending its reach in Central Asia.

These developments reflect Poland’s increasing focus on media diplomacy in regions vulnerable to Russian influence. By providing alternative news sources, Poland aims to counter disinformation while promoting European values and perspectives in countries at the crossroads between East and West.

The expansion of Poland’s international broadcasting efforts comes at a time when the battle for information and narrative control has become a crucial element of geopolitical competition, particularly in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. Through these initiatives, Poland is positioning itself as a significant player in the region’s information landscape, working to strengthen ties with neighboring countries while countering Russian influence.