Russia’s Psychological Operations in Poland Grows, Targets Ukrainians – Polish Armed Forces

Polish Armed Forces Warn of Russia’s Growing Information Warfare

Russia is intensifying its psychological operations in Poland, aiming to undermine public support for Ukraine and strain bilateral relations.

According to a recent statement from the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Moscow is amplifying anti-Ukrainian narratives through both online disinformation campaigns and kinetic provocations, signaling a coordinated effort to influence Polish society during ongoing peace talks related to the war in Ukraine.

The Polish military emphasized that Russia’s strategy involves creating fear and distrust among Polish citizens, presenting Ukrainians as a “security threat” within Poland. This manipulation of public sentiment is designed to weaken Poland’s role as a strategic ally of Kyiv and a logistical hub for Western military aid.

“Russian narrative operations create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety about Ukrainian claims in Poland; actions are being taken to destroy positive Polish-Ukrainian emotional relations; and anti-Ukrainian sentiments are being stirred up in Poland. These activities are divided into kinetic events (arson attacks on Ukrainian cars, covering up anti-war murals) and intensive online narratives on websites and accounts promoting hatred towards Ukraine. An increase in anti-Ukrainian behavior is observed in places where there are hubs for the transfer of weapons or support for Ukraine (e.g., Gdynia, Gdańsk).”

Tactics Behind Russia’s Information Warfare Campaign

Coordinated Narrative Attacks Across Digital Platforms

The General Staff reported that Moscow’s information operations are especially visible on social media platforms and independent portals, where fake accounts and agents of influence spread divisive narratives.

These include claims that Ukrainian refugees are a burden to Poland or that Ukrainian soldiers receive preferential treatment in Polish hospitals—rumors the Polish Ministry of Defense has officially denied.

The campaign uses emotional triggers such as national pride, economic anxiety, and historical grievances to make the false narratives appear more credible and relatable. Russia’s digital strategy mirrors its broader global approach to hybrid warfare—combining propaganda, cyber influence, and psychological manipulation to destabilize neighboring countries.

Physical Acts of Sabotage and Symbolic Provocations

Beyond online manipulation, Polish authorities have identified “kinetic events” such as arson of Ukrainian vehicles and defacement of anti-war murals.

These incidents, according to the Polish military, are designed to amplify fear and tension locally—especially in cities like Gdynia and Gdańsk, known for their role in logistics and weapons transfers to Ukraine.

Exploiting Historical Memory: The Volhynia Narrative

One of the most sensitive tools in Russia’s arsenal is the manipulation of historical wounds. The General Staff noted that Russian operatives have been reviving the Volhynia tragedy—a complex and painful chapter in Polish-Ukrainian history—to pit the two nations against each other.

By promoting narratives that frame Ukrainians as historical aggressors, Moscow seeks to distract public opinion from its own ongoing aggression and erode regional unity in times of its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Analysts point out that these tactics are part of a broader Kremlin disinformation ecosystem, where media outlets, proxy organizations, and online networks work in concert to reinforce anti-Ukrainian sentiment while portraying Russia as a misunderstood or defensive actor.

Strategic Goal: Undermining Western Solidarity with Ukraine

According to the General Staff, the ultimate objective of Russia’s psychological operations in Poland is not only to discredit Ukraine but also to pressure the Polish government.

By fueling internal divisions and public fatigue, Moscow hopes Polish citizens will demand a “return to normalcy,” pushing leaders to soften their stance on Ukraine or reduce logistical and military support.

“Let us remember that at this moment, the division between perpetrator and victim is clear: the aggressor is in the east—and that is Russia; cutting Poland off from Ukraine will make it easier for Russia to wage war; any action that undermines support for Ukraine (narrative, emotional) supports Russia in its aggression,” the Polish General Staff emphasized.

This form of psychological coercion fits Russia’s long-standing doctrine of hybrid warfare and is designed to make democratic societies act against their own policies.

As Poland remains one of Kyiv’s strongest allies and NATO’s frontline members, these operations highlight how information warfare has become an essential component of modern conflict.

How Poland Is Responding

Poland’s security and intelligence services have intensified efforts to counter Russian influence operations, monitor online disinformation, and protect communities vulnerable to manipulation. The government encourages citizens to verify information from official sources and report suspicious activities that may signal foreign interference.

Defense analysts note that resilience through media literacy, public awareness, and cybersecurity cooperation with EU and NATO partners remains key to countering Russia’s psychological aggression in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Russia’s psychological operations in Poland?
They are coordinated efforts to manipulate Polish public opinion through propaganda, fake news, and provocations.

2. Why is Russia targeting Poland?
Poland is a major supporter and logistics hub for Ukraine; undermining it weakens the Western coalition.

3. How is Poland responding to these operations?
Poland is responding to these operations through enhanced intelligence monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and international cooperation.

4. What is the Volhynia narrative Russia is exploiting?
It refers to wartime massacres of Poles in the Ukrainian region of Volhynia by Ukrainian nationalist groups that Russia now manipulates to stir Polish-Ukrainian animosity.

5. How can citizens protect themselves from disinformation?
By following verified government channels, verifying sources, especially for shocking reports, and avoiding unverified social media claims, which might be posted by Russian bots.