Polish Intelligence Chief Dismisses Russian Sabotage Allegations as Disinformation

Poland Dismisses Russian Intelligence Claims as “Classic Disinformation”

Polish military intelligence chief Brigadier General Jarosław Stróżyk has firmly rejected allegations made by Russian security services, describing them as fabricated narratives designed primarily for domestic Russian consumption.

In an interview with Polish Press Agency (PAP), Stróżyk, who heads Poland’s Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW), addressed recent claims by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and Foreign Intelligence Service (SWR) that Polish intelligence helped recruit an attacker in a failed assassination plot against Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy chief of Russian military intelligence (GRU).

“This is a classic case of disinformation,” Stróżyk stated, dismissing the accusations. The SWR had also claimed that Western countries, including Poland, are actively working to destabilize Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime and force political change in Minsk.

Stróżyk noted that such accusations follow a predictable pattern. “These messages appear whenever the opportunity arises,” he explained, adding that they serve a specific purpose in Russian propaganda: portraying Russia and Belarus as victims under constant pressure from NATO and Western powers. “They are primarily created for internal use,” he emphasized.

The intelligence chief expressed particular concern about how these narratives sometimes gain traction internationally. “The fact that such rhetoric finds its way into respected outlets like Reuters is at least troubling,” he remarked, suggesting that international media should exercise greater caution when reporting Russian intelligence claims.

Defending Polish intelligence practices, Stróżyk stressed that all operations conducted by Polish intelligence services are carried out lawfully and in accordance with political directives approved by both the government and the president. This assertion comes at a time of heightened tensions between Poland and Russia, with Poland being one of the most vocal European supporters of Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

When asked about effective countermeasures to combat the growing wave of Russian propaganda, Stróżyk acknowledged there is no simple solution. “There’s no single effective method,” he said, but argued that actively confronting and exposing disinformation is ultimately more effective than ignoring it. He suggested that intelligence services should take a more proactive approach by releasing public reports that outline disinformation tactics and patterns.

Stróżyk referenced a recent report by a Polish commission on Russian and Belarusian influence covering 2024-2025, which identified recurring Kremlin propaganda themes. These include portraying NATO and the European Union as oppressive colonial powers seeking to dominate Eastern Europe. The report also highlighted Poland’s vulnerability, noting a lack of systematic countermeasures and recommending stronger coordination between state institutions and media organizations.

According to Stróżyk, Russia invests significantly in its influence operations, with estimated annual spending between $2-4 billion. These operations include the mass dissemination of propaganda through social media platforms, which provides a cost-effective way to spread disinformation globally. “This threat has existed for years,” he warned, implying that Western democracies need sustainable, long-term strategies to counter these efforts.

The exchange comes amid growing concerns about information warfare across Europe, with Poland—given its strategic position on NATO’s eastern flank—frequently targeted by Russian influence campaigns. Polish officials have increasingly sought to raise awareness about these tactics while strengthening the country’s resilience against foreign interference.