Poland Denounces Russian Disinformation Campaign About Ukrainian Resale of Aid

The Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a firm rebuttal to claims circulating online that Ukrainians are reselling generators donated by Poland. Officials described the allegations as a “classic Russian disinformation operation” designed to undermine international support for Ukraine and create discord between allies.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry warned citizens to be vigilant against posts featuring screenshots with captions like “Polish generators from EU aid are for sale! Bandera followers are acting big!” Such claims, they emphasized, are fabricated to manipulate public opinion.

“Don’t let Russian propaganda deceive you,” the ministry cautioned in its post.

Poland has been providing critical humanitarian support to Ukraine, including generators and heaters, aimed at helping civilians endure power outages caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. These attacks have left many Ukrainian communities facing harsh conditions, particularly during winter months when heating becomes essential for survival.

The ministry clarified that the distribution and use of the donated equipment follows strict protocols and monitoring systems. “The transportation of equipment to the end user and its use are controlled,” the statement explained, adding that in cases where improper use is detected, the equipment can be reclaimed.

Officials pointed to the broader strategic goal behind such disinformation, stating that these false narratives are crafted to “sow hatred towards Ukrainians, undermine Polish aid, and quarrel allies.” This pattern aligns with documented Russian information warfare tactics that target solidarity among Ukraine’s supporting nations.

The ministry highlighted how these disinformation campaigns typically operate: “The troll pretends to be a Polish patriot to make you believe: ‘it’s not worth helping, because we are being robbed!'” By posing as concerned Polish citizens, these actors attempt to create an impression that Ukraine is misusing international aid.

Standing firm against these divisive tactics, the Polish authorities reaffirmed their commitment to supporting their eastern neighbor: “We will not allow ourselves to be quarreled. We support Ukraine, because it is about our common freedom.”

Poland has emerged as one of Ukraine’s strongest allies since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The country has accepted millions of Ukrainian refugees, served as a critical logistics hub for Western military and humanitarian aid, and consistently advocated for strong international measures against Russian aggression.

The ministry’s statement comes amid ongoing Polish humanitarian efforts. A recent charity initiative titled “Warmth from Poland for Kyiv” raised over 15 million hryvnias (approximately $380,000) in just three days. These funds were allocated to purchase generators for homes and hospitals in Kyiv, where Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have caused frequent and prolonged blackouts.

This incident illustrates the complex information environment surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where social media and online platforms have become battlegrounds for influence operations. Security experts have long warned about Russian disinformation campaigns targeting Western public opinion, particularly in countries providing substantial support to Ukraine.

As the war approaches its third year, maintaining allied solidarity remains crucial for Ukraine’s defense efforts. Polish officials’ quick response to this disinformation attempt reflects growing awareness among European governments about the need to counter false narratives that could undermine public support for continued assistance to Ukraine.