Poland Warns of Russian Disinformation Campaign Targeting Ukraine on Social Media

Poland’s Parliament Leader Warns of Russian Disinformation Campaign Targeting Ukraine

Włodzimierz Czajasty, the Marshal of Poland’s Sejm, has sounded the alarm about a coordinated Russian disinformation campaign specifically targeting Ukraine within Polish online spaces. The senior Polish official made these remarks during an interview with Ukrinform on February 21, highlighting growing concerns about foreign interference in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

“Russia is conducting coordinated disinformation campaigns, including the use of content created with the help of artificial intelligence, exemplified by anti-Ukrainian campaigns in Polish-language social networks,” Czajasty stated firmly. “We will not be fooled.”

The parliamentary leader emphasized the need for Warsaw and Kyiv to strengthen their joint efforts against Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, particularly through enhanced information exchange mechanisms. He stressed that both the public and government sectors must maintain critical thinking when consuming online content.

This warning comes amid escalating concerns about Russian interference in the region. In September, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), operating under the National Security and Defense Council, identified numerous examples of falsified content circulating in Polish media spheres. According to the center, these fabrications form part of a broader information operation designed to damage Ukraine’s reputation among Polish citizens and inflame cross-border tensions.

The CCD documented several specific false narratives that gained traction in Polish online spaces. These included fabricated stories about Ukrainian “Banderites” allegedly attacking Polish soldiers at the border—a claim promptly refuted by Poland’s Ministry of Defense. Other disinformation included fictitious reports about intrusive questionnaires for Ukrainians crossing the border, allegations of excessive scrutiny during checkpoint procedures, and alarming but unsubstantiated claims about unsafe food products originating from Ukraine.

More recently, in November 2023, the General Staff of the Polish Army reported detecting intensive psychological operations conducted by Russian actors on Polish territory. Military intelligence officials concluded these operations were strategically designed to foster distrust, amplify anti-Ukrainian sentiment, and ultimately undermine the historically strong relationship between the neighboring countries.

The timing of these disinformation efforts coincides with Poland’s crucial role as a key NATO member supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Poland has emerged as one of Ukraine’s strongest advocates within the European Union and NATO, providing significant military aid, accepting millions of Ukrainian refugees, and supporting Ukraine’s European integration aspirations.

Security analysts note that Russia’s targeting of Polish-Ukrainian relations represents a calculated attempt to weaken Western unity on Ukraine support. By exploiting historical sensitivities and current economic concerns, these campaigns aim to create fractures in what has become a vital partnership for Ukraine’s survival and Europe’s security architecture.

The Polish-Ukrainian relationship, while currently robust, has faced historical challenges related to World War II-era tensions and border disputes. These historical frictions provide fertile ground for external actors seeking to manipulate public opinion and sow division between the allied nations.

Experts stress that countering such sophisticated disinformation requires not only government vigilance but also media literacy among citizens. Polish and Ukrainian authorities have increasingly called for joint fact-checking initiatives, transparent communication channels, and coordinated strategic messaging to neutralize the impact of these information warfare tactics.

As Russian hybrid operations continue to evolve, both nations face the ongoing challenge of maintaining social cohesion while preserving their strategic partnership against external manipulation attempts.