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Polish social media networks have been flooded with misleading claims that Ukraine intended to resell Polish coal back to Poland, in what authorities have identified as a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at damaging bilateral relations between the two allies.
According to a statement released by the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, the false narrative has been spreading through a manipulated screenshot of what appears to be a news article from Polish media outlet Do Rzeczy.
The doctored image purportedly shows an article claiming that former Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced plans to sell coal to Poland from the Polish Bogdanka mine – a claim that would suggest Ukraine was attempting to profit by reselling Poland’s own resources.
“In reality, this is a manipulation of an old article from Do Rzeczy dating back to September 2022,” the Center stated through its Telegram channel. “The hoaxers edited the page code, changing the original headline to create a completely false narrative.”
The Center emphasized that Shmyhal’s actual statement from 2022 referred to Ukraine providing assistance to Poland in the form of 100,000 tonnes of Ukrainian coal – not reselling Polish resources back to the country.
Fact-checkers quickly identified multiple inconsistencies in the fabricated story. Most notably, Shmyhal is no longer Ukraine’s Prime Minister, having been replaced by Denys Shmyhal in early 2024, yet the manipulated article presents him as the current head of government.
This disinformation attempt comes amid increasing Russian efforts to drive a wedge between Ukraine and its key European allies as the war continues into its third year. Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing military aid, accepting millions of Ukrainian refugees, and advocating for Ukraine’s interests within the European Union.
“The aim of this disinformation is clear – to inflame anti-Ukrainian sentiments in Poland, to discredit the Ukrainian government, and to weaken Polish-Ukrainian solidarity in favor of Russian interests,” the Center for Countering Disinformation stated.
Energy cooperation has been a particularly significant aspect of Polish-Ukrainian relations since the war began. With Europe’s energy markets disrupted by sanctions against Russia and infrastructure damage within Ukraine, both countries have worked to ensure energy security through various arrangements, including coal trade.
This is not the first time Russian-aligned actors have targeted Polish-Ukrainian relations with disinformation. Ukrinform reported that another recent false claim suggested Ukraine had been selling generators that Poland had donated as humanitarian aid – an allegation Ukrainian authorities have firmly denied.
Experts in information security note that such targeted disinformation campaigns typically intensify during periods when Ukraine is seeking additional international support or ahead of important diplomatic meetings between allies.
The Polish and Ukrainian governments have both invested in strengthening their cooperation in identifying and countering disinformation, recognizing it as a key component of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy against both nations.
Media literacy experts recommend that readers verify information through multiple reliable sources, especially when encountering politically charged claims on social media platforms where content can be easily manipulated and shared without proper verification.
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18 Comments
Coal resales are a complex issue, and it’s important to rely on authoritative sources. I appreciate the Center for Countering Disinformation providing clarity on this matter.
Yes, fact-checking is essential to combat the spread of misinformation. It’s good to see the Ukrainian government taking this issue seriously.
This appears to be a classic case of coordinated disinformation. I’m glad the Ukrainian government is taking steps to address these false claims and protect their international relationships.
Absolutely. Refuting misinformation and providing accurate information is essential to counter these kinds of divisive tactics. Transparency and accountability are key.
Interesting allegations, but it’s good to see Ukrainian officials refuting them. Spreading disinformation to sow discord between allies is a concerning tactic. I’m glad the facts are being clarified.
Absolutely, transparency and truth-telling are crucial, especially during challenging times. It’s important not to let false narratives take hold.
It’s concerning to see attempts to undermine Ukraine’s relationships with its allies. I appreciate the Ukrainian authorities’ efforts to refute these false claims and provide the correct context.
Yes, protecting bilateral partnerships is crucial, especially during challenging times. Proactive communication and fact-checking are important tools in this fight against disinformation.
It’s concerning to see disinformation campaigns targeting Ukraine’s relationships with its allies. I’m glad the authorities are proactively addressing these false claims.
Agreed. Spreading misinformation to undermine international cooperation is a worrying tactic. Transparency and fact-checking are essential to combat this.
Allegations of reselling resources can be politically charged. I’m glad the Ukrainian officials were able to swiftly refute these claims and provide the correct context.
Indeed, maintaining trust between allies is crucial, especially during times of conflict. Addressing these kinds of allegations head-on is the right approach.
It’s disheartening to see these kinds of false narratives spread through social media. I commend the Ukrainian authorities for their prompt response and commitment to the truth.
Yes, social media can be a powerful tool for the spread of disinformation. Vigilance and fact-checking are crucial to maintain public trust and international cooperation.
Doctored screenshots and manipulated narratives are a common disinformation tactic. I’m impressed by the Ukrainian authorities’ swift response to set the record straight.
Yes, it’s crucial to call out these kinds of attempts to mislead the public. Maintaining trust and cooperation between allies is vital, especially in challenging times.
Allegations of resource mishandling can be politically sensitive, so I’m glad to see the Ukrainian government addressing this issue directly. Maintaining transparency is essential.
Agreed. Addressing these kinds of claims head-on, with clear facts and evidence, is the best way to counter disinformation and preserve important international relationships.