Russia Amplifies Disinformation Amid Poland-Ukraine Tensions

• •Russia's disinformation campaign in Poland has surged by over 250% amid historical disputes.
• •The campaign is largely conducted through social media, focusing on amplifying existing tensions.
• •Public support for Ukraine is declining in Poland, complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Russia has escalated its online disinformation campaign in Poland, leveraging a historical dispute over World War Two massacres to exacerbate tensions between Poland and Ukraine. This campaign has intensified following President Zelenskiy's naming of an army unit after insurgents involved in the Volhynia massacres, which has led to a significant rise in anti-Ukrainian sentiment online. Polish officials report a 250% increase in anti-Ukrainian content on social media platforms, primarily driven by bot activity. The Russian embassy denies these allegations, claiming they are baseless. Analysts note that the disinformation focuses on amplifying existing controversies rather than spreading outright falsehoods. As Poland approaches parliamentary elections in 2027, public sentiment towards Ukrainians has worsened, with polls indicating a decline in support for military assistance to Ukraine. The situation poses challenges for Polish authorities in countering the disinformation effectively.