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Polish authorities have issued an urgent warning about a fabricated news story circulating on social media that falsely accuses Ukrainian citizens of starting fires in Poland’s Bieszczady Mountains, a picturesque region in the southeastern part of the country.
The Polish police took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to denounce the disinformation campaign, categorically stating that the allegations against Ukrainian nationals are “fake news.” The post emphasized that no evidence links Ukrainian citizens to any arson activities in the region, which has become a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.
“Stop disinformation! A fake message is circulating on the internet about Ukrainians allegedly starting fires in Bieszczady. This is false information,” the police statement read. Authorities urged citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing content that could stoke tensions.
This fabricated story emerges against a backdrop of increasing concern about disinformation campaigns targeting Polish-Ukrainian relations, which have been particularly strong since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Poland has been one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies in Europe, providing military aid, hosting over a million Ukrainian refugees, and advocating for Ukraine’s interests in international forums.
Security experts suggest this disinformation effort appears designed to exploit existing tensions and create division between Polish citizens and the Ukrainian refugee community. Dr. Anna Kowalska, a disinformation researcher at Warsaw University, told reporters that the timing is particularly notable.
“We typically see spikes in anti-Ukrainian narratives coinciding with key political moments or humanitarian efforts. These campaigns often exhibit hallmarks of coordinated information operations rather than organic misinformation,” Kowalska explained.
The Bieszczady region itself holds particular significance as part of Poland’s southeastern border area near Ukraine. The mountainous region, part of the Carpathian range, represents both a symbolic and literal connection between the two countries. Any suggestion of conflict or criminality in this area carries potent symbolic weight.
Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak has ordered an investigation into the source of the false claims, stating that authorities are treating the matter as a potential national security concern. “Deliberately spreading false information that could damage international relations or incite hatred against refugees will be treated with the utmost seriousness,” Siemoniak said in a statement.
This incident is not isolated. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland has documented numerous disinformation campaigns attempting to drive wedges between Poles and Ukrainians. These have ranged from false claims about Ukrainian refugees receiving preferential treatment to fabricated stories about criminal activities.
The European Union’s East StratCom Task Force, established to address Russia’s ongoing disinformation campaigns, has identified over 200 anti-Ukrainian narratives targeting Polish public opinion since February 2022. Similar campaigns have appeared in other countries hosting large Ukrainian refugee populations.
Local authorities in the Bieszczady region have confirmed that while some forest fires have occurred during the dry summer season, investigations have found no evidence connecting them to deliberate arson, let alone by foreign nationals. Regional fire department chief Marek Nowak stated that most summer fires in the area result from natural causes or accidental human activity such as improperly extinguished campfires.
Digital rights activists have praised the Polish police’s quick response but emphasize the need for greater media literacy among the public. “The speed at which false information spreads often outpaces fact-checking efforts,” said Piotr Adamski of the Digital Rights Foundation. “We need both institutional responses and better-equipped citizens who can identify potential disinformation.”
Polish and Ukrainian officials continue to work closely to counter disinformation campaigns that target their bilateral relationship. Both governments have established dedicated units to monitor, identify, and respond to false narratives before they gain significant traction.
As the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, experts warn that information warfare targeting refugee-hosting countries will likely intensify, testing the resilience of European solidarity with Ukraine.
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11 Comments
It’s concerning to see disinformation campaigns targeting sensitive geopolitical issues. Fact-checking and verifying information through official channels is so important to avoid fueling tensions.
Spreading unverified claims, especially those that could incite hostility, is extremely irresponsible. I’m glad the Polish police are working to set the record straight.
This is a concerning example of how false narratives can rapidly proliferate on social media. Verifying information through official channels is crucial to prevent further escalation.
It’s good to see the authorities taking a strong stance against this misleading narrative. Combating the spread of disinformation should be a top priority.
Spreading misinformation, especially about sensitive issues, is deeply irresponsible. The Polish authorities are right to take a firm stance against these false claims.
Glad to see Polish authorities quickly debunking this fabricated story and urging caution around unverified social media claims. Spreading misinformation can have real consequences.
Absolutely. It’s crucial that people rely on trusted, official sources when it comes to sensitive topics like this.
Fabricated stories like this have the potential to exacerbate tensions and damage important international relationships. Fact-checking before sharing is the responsible approach.
This kind of disinformation is particularly troubling given the current geopolitical climate. Kudos to the Polish police for swiftly addressing the false claims.
Disinformation campaigns like this can have serious real-world consequences. I commend the Polish police for their proactive efforts to debunk the fabricated story.
In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about the information we consume and share. Kudos to the Polish authorities for their swift response.