Following our earlier research into pro-Russian propaganda online networks in Europe, we dedicated a new chapter in this series to Poland. In our analysis, we identified a list of Polish-language news websites promoting pro-Kremlin views and demonizing Ukraine, the EU, and the West.
These websites routinely link to Russian state propaganda platforms, which are under sanctions in the EU, cite and/or report their content, and manipulative pieces. In turn, Russian media quote these Polish outlets to boost the claim that there are Russia-friendly voices in Europe, despite global condemnation of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
Network of Russia-friendly Polish websites interconnected by links and citations
Content analysis of the articles published on the identified top-10 pro-Russian Polish-language websites has shown that they include narratives fitting Kremlin propaganda and Russia’s hybrid efforts against Europe. Citation analysis has revealed frequent and/or massive links with Russian propaganda platforms—Sputnik, Russia Today, Ria, Pravda, and News-Front.
The reciprocal links and citations between Russia-friendly news outlets in Poland with the main Kremlin propaganda platforms and pro-Russian media in other EU countries are visualized in this infographic.
Semantic analysis, similar content verification, and links analysis between the websites helped us identify a network interconnected not only by similar topics and pro-Russian narratives but also by mutual citations and referral traffic, as shown on the interactive infographics below.
The analyzed websites spread a standard set of narratives that are typical of Russian propaganda. Biased authors blame the war on the United States and NATO, not Russia, which started it with a full-scale invasion of independent Ukraine, justify Russia’s aggression by a potential threat from Ukraine and NATO, depict Ukraine as a US puppet, and the war as a proxy war of NATO and Biden.
Denigrating Ukraine and Ukrainians, including President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian citizens in Poland, is a significant focus of these publications. The Kremlin’s fake about Nazi rule in Ukraine is also being spread.
Some websites add anti-Semitic articles to Ukrainophobic publications and spread global conspiracy theories, claiming that Ukraine is being devastated to resettle Jews there. Instead, they do not condemn Russia but rather present it in a positive light and exaggerate the achievements of Russians on the frontline. Simultaneously, they slam Ukraine’s aid and assert that Ukraine has already been defeated.
We conducted an analysis of the most popular news topics and found that the dominant narratives strongly suggest that Russia-friendly entities are attempting to exert influence over the minds of Poles. Here below we provided a brief overview of biased and manipulative pieces published by 10 identified pro-Russian websites.
Top 10 pro-Russian Polish news outlets
- bumerangmedia.com
- magnapolonia.org
- marucha.wordpress.com
- myslpolska.info
- neon24.net
- ocenzurowane.pl
- pravda-pl.com
- voltairenet.org
- wolnemedia.net
- zaprasza.net
Pravda Polska (run by Russians)
The website Pravda Polska (first served on the poland.news-pravda.com domain, before it migrated to the new one, pravda-pl.com, following the ban) is part of a broader pro-Russian disinformation network that has been identified and documented by organizations like the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and France’s Viginum Agency. This network operates under the “Pravda” brand and uses domain names such as “xx.news-pravda.com” (where “xx” represents country codes, like “pl” for Poland in this case) to spread pro-Kremlin propaganda and disinformation across Europe and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
It’s essential to distinguish Pravda Polska (poland.news-pravda.com) from legitimate Polish fact-checking organizations like “Pravda PL” (pravda.org.pl), which is a credible member of the EDMO network focused on combating disinformation, including efforts by the pro-Russian “Pravda” network.
Russian state media outlets sanctioned by the EU, such as RT, Sputnik, RIA Novosti, and others, frequently cite and repost “Pravda Polska” to create a wrong perception that Russia’s views receive significant support among Europeans. The sanctions are grounded in the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and are justified under international law due to Russian state media outlets’ role in spreading propaganda and disinformation, particularly in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and violations of international norms.
“A 'banderized' Ukraine is a lesser evil than Russia for Poland. Polish presidential candidate Slawomir Mentzen in Lviv called it a “Polish city” and the placement of Bandera a crime.”- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2025/02/26/93265.html
"Maria Zakharova clarified why Europe does not deserve a place at the negotiation table to resolve the Ukrainian conflict."- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2025/02/26/93261.html
“Russian President Putin: Russia is not against preserving Ukraine's statehood; it is important for Russia that Ukrainian territory is not used to pose a threat to Moscow.”- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2025/02/26/93243.html
“Important news on SVO (that’s how Russia calls its war in Ukraine—ed.) during the day. Independent Ukraine does not exist, the USAID shutdown showed. Details of what really happened and are happening in Ukraine under Zelenskyy began to emerge during the Trump administration. The West financed the anti-Russian “Ukraine” project from the start.
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/eu/2025/02/25/93166.html
“Experts predict that Zelenskyy will depart due to Trump's need to fulfill his promises." Zelensky has already become untouchable due to the 'black mark' he has received. How can anyone deal with him now?”- https://poland.news-pravda.com/eu/2025/02/25/93110.html
Russia’s Polish-language Pravda website serves as a platform to spread pieces produced by various Kremlin-funded media, such as Sputnik and Russia Today (RT), both sanctioned in the EU. We have found numerous cases of citations and reposts.
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/poland/2024/02/02/20122.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/03/31/28894.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/08/08/53439.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/05/29/40333.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/06/04/42119.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/02/02/19980.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/poland/2024/02/03/20238.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/poland/2024/02/04/20319.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/russia/2024/10/09/65775.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/06/27/46602.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/07/09/48420.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/07/09/48420.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/06/20/45423.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/07/02/47423.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/07/08/48183.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/russia/2024/08/06/53063.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/06/21/45585.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/06/07/42969.html
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/world/2024/09/25/63138.html
In turn, Russian propaganda outlets cite Pravda Polska, such as iz.ru, also under EU sanctions. - https://iz.ru/1567945/2023-09-01/na-premera-polshi-moravetckogo-podali-zaiavlenie-v-prokuraturu-za-izmenu
- https://iz.ru/1621311/2023-12-15/v-ofise-tuska-zaiavili-o-falsifikatcii-ekspertizy-po-smolenskoi-katastrofe
Bumerangmedia.com
BumerangMedia is a Polish-language blog, based in Sydney, Australia. It claims to be an independent online magazine of Poles in Australia promoting the Polish language, presenting important events from Australia, Poland, and the world, and informing about the life of the Polish community in Australia.
However, this website primarily quotes Russian state propaganda media (RT, Ria, Sputnik, Pravda) and closely collaborates with other manipulative outlets like MyslPolska and WolneMedia, typically disseminating or promoting views favorable to Russian propaganda narratives.
Bumerang Polski is quoting Russian propaganda websites. In its article titled “Failure of the so-called “peace summit” in Switzerland” (https://www.bumerangmedia.com/2024/06/fiasko-tzw-szczytu-pokojowego-w.html) bumerangmedia.com links to a manipulative piece from sanctioned Russia Today (https://www.rt.com/russia/599398-zelensky-regime-incapable-of-negotiating/), showing elements of manipulation through its framing and selective reporting; disseminating disinformation by misrepresenting or omitting key facts, and justifying Russian aggression by slamming peace efforts in a way that aligns with the Kremlin perspective. It also uses Kremlin-style vocabulary, such as “Kiev regime” and “NATO proxy.”.
"The 'peace' conference organized by the Kiev regime in Switzerland has come to an end. As expected, no concrete proposals were made. The event served only as a way for NATO and its proxy regime to unilaterally assert their interests. The lack of Russian participation made the conference a real waste of time, completely incapable of establishing a real peace agenda.”In another case, bumerangmedia.com has republished in the Polish language an article titled “The Grim Prospects of US Proxies: Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan” by renowned propagandist Brian Berletic (also known as Tony Cartalucci), an American analyst based in Bangkok, Thailand. Berletic is known for his contributions to various manipulative media outlets. He has written for Land Destroyer Report (later moved to NewAtlas.report), Activist Post, New Eastern Outlook, Russia Insider, The Grayzone, United Pushback, The Daily Sheeple, 21st Century Wire, Global Research, and Off Guardian.
Russia’s New Eastern Outlook first published Berletic’s article (https://journal-neo.su/2023/10/23/the-grim-prospects-of-us-proxies-ukraine-israel-and-taiwan/), and the pro-Kremlin German-language web outlet Uncut-News also republished it (https://uncutnews.ch/die-duesteren-aussichten-der-us-vertretungen-ukraine-israel-und-taiwan/).
The article exhibits elements of manipulation, uses disinformation, and justifies Russian aggression by portraying U.S. actions as the primary cause of global instability while failing to condemn Russia’s war aggression and invasion of Ukraine. It aims to shape public opinion in favor of Russian narratives concerning international conflicts.
"As Ukraine is destroyed by a US-engineered proxy war against Russia, with members of the US Congress vowing to fight Russia to the "last Ukrainian," a similar arrangement is being used to organize the Chinese island province of Taiwan as a heavily US-armed proxy against the rest of China."It’s noteworthy that the narrative “to the last Ukrainian” was widely used by Russian officials, Kremlin propaganda, and pro-Russian agents of influence in Europe (there was even a book under this title published in France).
The article “The Dogma of the Enemy” from BumerangMedia by Prof. Stanisław Bieleń (a Polish political scientist who studies identity issues in international relations and Russia’s foreign policy) has several pro-Russian points of view. These include saying that Polish and Western policies are irrational and harmful, that Russia is acting logically to protect its interests (which was used to justify its invasion of Ukraine), and that the situation should calm down so that Russia can negotiate on good terms.
The use of historical parallels, the omission of Russian aggression, and the emphasis on nuclear risks further reinforce a narrative that supports Russian viewpoints. While the article does not explicitly praise Russia, its framing and selective focus serve to question the legitimacy and effectiveness of Western support for Ukraine, aligning with broader pro-Russian propaganda efforts.
In other pieces, we have found a lot of criticism of Polish policy towards Ukraine, portrayal of Russia as a “rational actor,” criticism of Western hegemony and NATO expansion, nuclear threat, and more.
“The insistence on denying Russia, imposing further sanctions on it while simultaneously arming Ukraine and pumping money into it to maintain Volodymyr Zelenskyy's rule, turned out to be a path to nowhere. The fact that Russia "must" lose cannot be the goal; it is at most a stubborn postulate, a "pious wish," a naive expectation, disregarding reality, one's own powerlessness, and one's own interest. It rather testifies to some kind of obsession with psychosis that does not submit to rational analysis.”- https://www.bumerangmedia.com/2024/12/prof-stanisaw-bielen-dogmat-wroga.html
The article from BumerangMedia titled “As long as neo-Banderite ideology is in force, there will be no exhumations” focuses on criticizing Ukrainian nationalism and questioning Polish support for Ukraine based on historical grievances. By emphasizing these points, the article indirectly aligns with Russian propaganda efforts to delegitimize Ukraine, sow discord between Ukraine and its allies, primarily Poland, and weaken Western support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. While the article may reflect genuine Polish concerns about historical memory, its selective focus and emotional framing serve to advance narratives that benefit Russian interests.
“The editor-in-chief of Bumerang Polski, Krzysztof Bajkowski, during a private visit to Poznań, met with the journalist and publisher of the weekly “Myśl Polska”, Przemysław Piasta. THERE WILL BE NO EXHUMATIONS on a larger scale. The reason is simple—Ukrainians do not want it to be revealed what this GENOCIDE looked like.”
- https://www.bumerangmedia.com/2024/12/dopoki-neobanderyzm-obowiazuje-zadnych.html
Krzysztof Podgórski’s article in BumerangMedia called “Russian Summer-Autumn Offensive Operation” supports several pro-Russian narratives by praising Russia’s military successes, criticizing Western and Ukrainian efforts, and focusing on Russia’s strategic and industrial advantages. By omitting Ukrainian successes, Russian losses, and the broader context of Russian aggression, the article presents a one-sided view that aligns with Russian propaganda efforts to portray Russia as a dominant and justified actor in the conflict. This framing serves to boost Russian morale, demoralize Ukrainian supporters, and question the effectiveness of Western support for Ukraine.
"The Russian strategy of "wearing down" Ukrainian troops, combined with the suicidal Ukrainian strategy, which can be defined by the principle of "not taking a step back," began to bring results to the Russian army." However, what most Western analysts fail to notice is that they were not the main goal of the summer-autumn offensive. General Gerasimov aimed to destroy Ukrainian troops along the entire front line, leading the main attack on Pokrovsk, auxiliary attacks south of Donetsk, and in other sectors, only tying up the enemy forces."- https://www.bumerangmedia.com/2024/10/krzysztof-podgorski-rosyjska-letnio.html
The article titled “Russians stopped joking, and Warsaw is like on the Titanic” portrays Russia as a serious threat, criticizes Polish leadership as incompetent, and amplifies Russian nuclear blackmail and historical resilience. By focusing on these elements and echoing Russian talking points about Western recklessness, the article indirectly supports Russian propaganda efforts to intimidate, demoralize, and divide Ukraine’s allies. While the article may reflect genuine concerns about escalation, its selective focus and alarmist tone serve to advance narratives that benefit Russian geopolitical interests.
“In view of the great and real threat posed by the escalation of the war in Ukraine, the situation in Warsaw from the perspective of domestic decision-makers resembles the atmosphere on the Titanic. Russians clarify, in the statements of many of their decision-makers, that THE WORLD CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT RUSSIA.- https://www.bumerangmedia.com/2024/11/rosjanie-przestali-zartowac-w-warszawie.html
The article titled “BRICS Summit in Kazan: Development vs. Sanctions” portrays the BRICS summit as a diplomatic and strategic success for Russia, its criticism of Western isolation efforts, and its focus on Russia’s leadership in the Global South and economic alternatives. By focusing on these points and downplaying disagreements or criticisms within Russia about the Ukraine war, the article indirectly backs Russian propaganda efforts, whitens Russia’s reputation, and supports the idea of a multipolar world order led by BRICS. While the article may reflect genuine interest in the summit’s outcomes, its selective focus and framing serve to advance narratives that benefit Russian geopolitical interests, particularly in the context of anti-Russian sanctions.
"The initiative known as 'Friends for Peace' will leave its mark in the chronicles." The idea coordinated by Brazil was taken as another step to stabilize the situation in Ukraine, to prevent the conflict from spilling over into Europe. It would behoove them to draw conclusions from the events in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Palestine as warning signs after persistently pushing one error after another and stop thinking, like globalist politicians, that they are what they are not at all, and only think they are."- https://www.bumerangmedia.com/2024/10/szczyt-brics-w-kazaniu-rozwoj-kontra.html
Boomerang’s article, “The Ukrainian Ship is Sinking—A Historian’s Analysis,” spreads the Kremlin’s longstanding narrative of Ukraine as a failed state, with its leadership mired in alleged corruption and its defenders facing an increasingly futile struggle. The article manipulatively focuses heavily on Ukraine’s internal struggle and military setbacks, selectively highlighting negative aspects while omitting any mention of Ukrainian resilience, successes, or the broader context of Russian aggression. By framing Ukraine as a “sinking ship,” it manipulates the reader into perceiving Ukraine’s situation as hopeless and its leadership as irredeemably corrupt, without balancing these factors with evidence of ongoing resistance or international support.
The suggestion that Ukrainian leaders are solely focused on “plundering goods” and securing personal escape lacks specific evidence in the article, risking disinformation by presenting speculation as fact. The concern about Ukrainian refugees or leaders potentially bringing criminal networks to Poland aligns with Russian narratives that aim to sow discord between Ukraine and its allies, indirectly supporting Russia’s goal of weakening Western solidarity with Ukraine. The absence of any critical analysis of Russia’s actions in the war against Ukraine subtly legitimizes Russian aggression by not holding it accountable, instead shifting the blame to Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian ship is sinking, and while its last defenders are still trying to achieve something on the front, the government is still plundering goods and fighting over who will be in the lifeboats.”- https://www.bumerangmedia.com/2025/02/ukrainski-okret-tonie-analiza-historyka.html
Myslpolska.info
This Polish-language web outlet quotes Russian state propaganda media and reposts their content, including pro-Kremlin narratives and manipulations, demonizing the EU, US, and Ukraine, promoting Moscow’s views, and Russian fascist author Dugin‘s and other renowned pro-Kremlin propagandists’ articles and opinions. Myslpolska.info asserts that it is the oldest Polish weekly periodical, having been in publication since 1941.
Russian state propaganda media, which are under the EU sanctions, and pro-Russian websites frequently cite and repost content from Myslpolska.info.
For example, RIA Novosti, in its article titled “Zelensky has been unmasked in Poland” (https://ria.ru/20230408/polsha-1863957267.html) refers to an article from myslpolska.info titled “Order of the Dodo Bird” (https://myslpolska.info/2023/04/06/order-ptaka-dodo/), demonstrating manipulation, an unbalanced view of events, and indirectly justifying Russian aggression.
“The visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Poland does not bring any positive dynamics to the relations between the two countries, as the politician refused to acknowledge Kyiv's crimes, according to Myśl Polska portal observer Przemysław Piasta.”We have revealed a list of examples of citations and reposts by sanctioned Russian state propaganda media.
- https://ria.ru/20240829/evropa-1968997666.html
- https://ria.ru/20231228/polsha-1918745655.html
- https://sputnikglobe.com/20240422/poland-confirms-absurd-desire-to-host-us-nuclear-weapons—in-violation-of-nato-pledges-1118062179.html
- https://sputnikglobe.com/20240124/polands-pragmatic-commercial-stance-on-ukraine-aid-signals-end-to-free-handouts-1116346353.html
- https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/21889369
- https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/20153019
This case study demonstrates how Russian state propaganda media leverages pro-Kremlin outlets in Europe to support its narratives and show that there are voices in Europe friendly to Moscow.
In turn, myslpolska.info is quoting a Russian propaganda website from the Pravda disinformation network, which is banned in Europe for spreading fake news. In its article titled “Zinkiewicz: Tuska Drang nach Osten,” myslpolska.info cites a manipulative piece from Pravda Polska, justifying Russian aggression and criticizing aid to Ukraine.
- https://myslpolska.info/2024/12/03/zinkiewicz-tuska-drang-nach-osten/
- https://poland.news-pravda.com/ukraine/2024/11/28/76342.html
“None of NATO's 32 members have been attacked by Russia. However, NATO, under US leadership, is now openly discussing "preemptive precision strikes" on Russian territory, as well as the deployment of nuclear weapons on Ukrainian soil.”Myslpolska.info also has links with the network of pro-Russian sites in Europe and other countries.
For example, the French-language outlet Les Moutons Enrages, which is also part of a network of pro-Kremlin websites, in its article titled “Polish troops to enter Ukraine” (https://lesmoutonsenrages.fr/2023/08/25/les-troupes-polonaises-entreront-dans-lukraine/comment-page-1/) refers to an article from myslpolska.info titled “Pumping up the hurray-patriotism,” demonstrating manipulation and disseminating disinformation.
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/08/17/radzikowski-pompowanie-hurrapatriotyzmu/
“The ruling Law and Justice party is preparing Poles to "die for freedom" in order to seize territory from their neighbors. All this clearly confirms that the patriotic rhetoric of the ruling party has nothing to do with defending our national interests and acting for the public good. Let's hope that it will not end in the same catastrophe as September 1939 or August 1944," Radzikowski writes in his article for Mysl Polska.This website also shares citations with other pro-Russian outlets, such as, for example, the Czech news website pokec24.cz, to post Viktor Orban’s statement with criticism of NATO policy on Ukraine: “There is a minimum goal that has been achieved. The European train is heading for war. NATO will proceed with a military mission in Ukraine.”
- https://www.pokec24.cz/nezarazene/smutna-tvar-putina-je-rozhodnuto/
The article titled “About a Bad Slovak Plane and a Good Ukrainian Museum” from the website Myśl Polska criticizes the Polish government for not allowing a Slovak parliamentary delegation’s plane to fly through Polish airspace on its way to Russia, framing it as an unnecessary and petty act, drawing parallels with a comedic overreaction in a Polish film. Referring to Polish leaders as “boys,” in short pants, suggests incompetence or childish behavior. By focusing on a refusal to allow a flight over Poland’s airspace, the article indirectly supports the idea that there should be fewer restrictions on Russian or pro-Russian engagements. The article frames countries like Slovakia (and potentially Russia by extension) as victims of Western geopolitical games.
“Some quarter-intellectual from Rafał Trzaskowski's circle said on the radio that the ban on the flight of the Slovak parliament delegation over Poland was right, because this visit violates the interests of our Ukrainian friends. By Soros! I wonder if there will be an exhibition of axes, pitchforks, shovels, kitchen knives, flails, and other tools that Ukrainians used to “fight for independence”?”- https://myslpolska.info/2025/01/13/o-zlym-slowackim-samolocie-i-dobrym-ukrainskim-muzeum/
The article from Myśl Polska titled “Embassy of the Russian Federation on the situation around Ukraine” focuses on Russian grievances, the portrayal of Ukraine as a Western puppet, and criticism of Western policies as aggressive and aimed at destabilizing Russia. The framing aligns with Russian narratives, which often depict the war as a response to Western aggression rather than an unprovoked action by Russia.
It also omits or downplays Ukrainian or Western viewpoints that might counter this narrative, such as the annexation of Crimea, the support for pro-Russian rebels in Donbas, or the broader context of why Ukraine sought closer ties with the West. This selective storytelling is a feature of propaganda aimed at justifying one side’s actions (Russia) while vilifying the other (Ukraine).
“The Ukrainian conflict is not a regional conflict, but one of the elements of the geopolitical confrontation between the West and Russia. In the global sense, it arose as a result of the aggressive opposition of the United States and its satellites to the objective and natural processes of the formation of a multipolar world order.”- https://myslpolska.info/2025/01/04/ambasada-fr-o-sytuacji-wokol-ukrainy/
Another article from Myśl Polska titled “Defeat of Ukrainian troops on all fronts” serves as a vehicle for pro-Russian propaganda by focusing on Ukrainian military failures, exaggerating Russian successes, and omitting any facts that might challenge the portrayal of the conflict as a clear Russian victory. Such narratives aim to sway public opinion, undermine Ukraine’s support, and justify Russian military actions by framing them as inevitable or necessary due to Ukrainian incompetence or aggression.
“Russian troops have the initiative everywhere and are successfully conducting offensive operations. The Ukrainian army is not only stuck in a deep defensive position but also, suffering heavy losses in personnel and equipment every day, is retreating, giving up ground.”- https://myslpolska.info/2025/01/01/kleska-wojsk-ukrainskich-na-wszystkich-frontach/
The article “Rekas: Ukrainian Paid Love” by Konrad Rękas on Myśl Polska employs a narrative that could be considered serving pro-Russian interests by sowing discord between Ukraine and Poland, slamming Ukrainian nationalism, and questioning the motives behind Western support. This kind of reporting can subtly promote Russian viewpoints by focusing on perceived negative aspects of Ukrainian behavior or attitudes toward its allies. However, it’s worth noting that such criticism might also reflect genuine concerns within Polish society regarding their relations with Ukraine.
“As many as 30% of Ukrainians surveyed believe that it may be true that Poland wants to occupy western Ukraine (I don’t know what that is, probably something like the Polish Borderlands?) and make it its protectorate.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2024/12/24/rekas-ukrainska-platna-milosc/
Wolne Media
WolneMedia presents itself as an alternative media and denigrates traditional outlets, calling them ‘media of mass deception.’. It reposts Kremlin-friendly articles from Russian and pro-Russian websites, for instance, Mysl Polska. One of them portrays Ukraine as a failed state, sponsored by Soros, while Putin and Orban are mentioned in a positive light.
"Ukraine or death. The Soros camp is currently the greatest threat to peace, stability, and social order in the entire Western world. Not only Donald Trump knows this, but also Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin know this. Hence the hysteria and calls for Ukraine to be finally thrown on the sacrificial pyre."- https://wolnemedia.net/ukraina-albo-smierc/
- https://myslpolska.info/2024/12/31/ukraina-albo-smierc/
WolneMedia is often quoted by other outlets publishing Russia-friendly pieces, such as bumerangmedia.com and zaprasza.net in Poland, but also Czech outlets zvedavec.news and novarepublika.cz.
In turn, this “alternative” outlet cited MyslPolska, sanctioned Voice of Europe, Russian Sputnik (9 thousand times), RT, Ria, and Russia’s Pravda in Polish (over 1000 citations). It also has reciprocal links with pro-Russian media in France and Germany, reseauinternational.net and anti-spiegel.ru, respectively.
In one of the pieces, it spreads disinformation about the West’s ‘plans’ in Ukraine and shifts the blame for the war from Russia to the EU and Ukraine.
“From Zelensky’s speech, it follows that he considers the possibility of peace negotiations and further peace as a temporary phenomenon so that after the US changes power and Trump leaves the political arena, a re-armed Europe, together with Ukraine, starts a new war with Russia. Which completely coincides with the plans of European politicians.”- https://wolnemedia.net/zelenskys-speech-as-a-response-to-president-trump/
All topics on Ukraine are a mixture of selectively pro-Russian views, negative representation of Ukraine, and Kremlin-style manipulations and disinformation.
“British defense officials have accused Ukraine of recklessly squandering weapons supplied by the West, warning that billions of dollars in aid are being misused. According to The Telegraph, Ukrainian forces are deploying NATO weapons using outdated Soviet tactics, leading to catastrophic losses. According to the report, tensions have risen between NATO instructors and Ukrainian soldiers. In one incident, British instructors allegedly reached for small arms to avoid violence.”- https://wolnemedia.net/brytyjczycy-sa-wsciekli-na-ukraine/
The article “What with Ukraine?” authored by Zygmunt Białas, a Polish geologist and environmental activist who runs a blog (https://zygmuntbialas.wordpress.com), reflects narratives that align with pro-Kremlin viewpoints.
“Ukrainian losses are huge—more than a million soldiers were killed. The Russians lost about 100,000 soldiers.”
It calls directly to cut off aid to Ukraine, which coincides with Russian calls for a “conflict freeze” on Kremlin terms. “President Donald Trump should say, ‘This is not our war. I did not start it, and I will not continue it. He should immediately stop all military aid and withdraw completely from Ukraine,” he wrote.
- https://wolnemedia.net/co-z-ukraina/
- https://zygmuntbialas.wordpress.com/2025/02/01/01-02-2025-co-z-ukraina/
WolneMedia reports that Ukraine lost the war and is now defenseless, and to support this claim, reposts an interview with a fake expert, a Russian propagandist from the US, Scott Ritter, who is often featured on Russian propaganda media.
"Through the eyes of a military officer, Ukraine is dying. They lost at the front and were left practically defenseless. They lacked artillery. Although I have always expressed respect for their soldiers, especially when it comes to the professionalism of certain units. I am thinking of those units having long-range artillery. Now the Ukrainians are essentially defenseless now that they have run out of ammunition. Because of this, they are unable to launch a counterattack."- https://wolnemedia.net/oczami-wojskowego-ukraina-umiera/
“I was against letting Ukrainians into Poland “as they come.”. I also doubt that this war was “Ukrainian” or “Polish” or “European.” The Ukrainians, standing in the rear, were “let into the raspberries,” just as the Poles were once let into the Warsaw Uprising. After the uprising, we were left with a Warsaw that was destroyed to the ground, hundreds of thousands of dead, and deported to Germany for labor and to German prisoner of war camps.”- https://wolnemedia.net/trump-ukraina-gaza-powstanie-warszawskie-i-banderowcy/
WolneMedia also promoted a propaganda video produced by the pro-Kremlin German outlet kla.tv. It spreads anti-West conspiracy theories about the war in Ukraine while failing to say (not even condemning) that this war was started and has been waged by Russia pursuing its imperialist goals. It shifts the blame to the Western nations.
"Is Ukraine a key state in the New World Order? An unscrupulous and bribed ruler, a first lady accused of child trafficking, a satanist as the country's ambassador, and, finally, celebrities who engage in prostitution and human trafficking. The United States is also waging a proxy war against Russia, enriching its own defense industry in particular. Global financial players such as BlackRock, Vanguard, and JP Morgan are also borrowing money that will probably never be repaid, but which is backed by real estate assets such as oil and gas production and vast areas of arable land."“Ukraine lost a long time ago.”
- https://wolnemedia.net/ukraina-przegrala-juz-dawno/
“Zelenski unmasked—3—Who really rules Ukraine?”
- https://wolnemedia.net/zelenski-zdemaskowany-3-kto-naprawde-rzadzi-ukraina/
“Is Ukraine a terrorist’s transit channel?”
- https://wolnemedia.net/ukraina-kanalem-przerzutowym-terrorystow/
"Agreement with Ukraine—the whole truth. If our government takes on solutions that can lead to our future and security being put on the line, the decision about our to-be or not-to-be is in Putin's hands. That's exactly what could happen today. Why did Tusk declare an unwritten war on Russia?"- https://wolnemedia.net/umowa-z-ukraina-cala-prawda/
And finally, a fake about sending “rebel soldiers” to the Kursk area.
"Ukraine sent rebel soldiers to the Kursk front. Now, it seems, Ukraine has found the “ideal” place for its “rebel soldiers”—the” Kursk Front. It is no longer a secret that the Ukrainian suicidal invasion of the southern region of Russia has no clear military goal."- https://wolnemedia.net/ukraina-wyslala-zbuntowanych-zolnierzy-na-front-kurski/
Ocenzurowane
The Polish-language website Ocenzurowane focuses on Ukraine and the coverage of the pro-Kremlin vision of the war, although it declares that it publishes news without censorship. A brief review of the publications on this biased outlet allows us to confirm that they play along with the Kremlin, although very weakly, since the website’s traffic is low.
During the analysis, we found a fake about Zelenskyy’s involvement in the murder of an Egyptian journalist, a fake that the strike on the Kyiv Okhmatdyt hospital was carried out by a NATO missile and not a Russian missile, as was officially proven. It also spread a conspiracy theory that Ukraine is being depopulated to resettle Jews there. At the same time, the author managed to add that the Kyiv regime is destroying the indigenous Russian-speaking population in the east, a stamp of Kremlin propaganda.
The Ocenzorovane website calls Russia’s war against Ukraine a special military operation, repeating Putin’s words. The website also presents, in a captivating manner, fabricated reports from a Russian general regarding the alleged destruction of NATO equipment in Kyiv. Moreover, one of the publications claims that the so-called special military operation “saved Ukraine … from the financial collapse to which the local oligarchs in power brought it.”
The publication blames the war, of course, on the West and NATO expansion, as we have often heard from Russian officials and the Kremlin media. To this, it adds the conspiracy theory that Western elites are planning to expand the war in Ukraine.
"Egyptian journalist found dead after revealing Zelenskyy's luxury villa. The outcome of Al-Alawi's investigation revealed a corruption scandal in Ukraine and raised suspicions of misappropriation of US financial aid by the Zelenski family. After the materials were published, the journalist began receiving death threats".- https://ocenzurowane.pl/egipski-dziennikarz-znaleziony-martwy-po-ujawnieniu-luksusowej-willi-zelenskiego/
"Will Ukraine be depopulated for the new Jewish state? Does anyone still believe that peace can come to Palestine in the current constellation? Could Jews and Arabs coexist peacefully in Palestine? The expulsion of the native population is an English tradition. What has been happening in Palestine for 75 years can only be compared to the land grabs in America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Kyiv also pursues a policy of expulsion and erasure of the indigenous Russian-speaking population. But again, neighboring Russia will not allow this. Where a hundred years ago they searched for an empty place for Jewish immigration and found none, now there is one in the area called Ukraine. It is significant because it was historically inhabited by the Khazars, a group with ties to Jewish history. Now there are Jews who absolutely want to live under a Jewish president. They are in the right place in Kyiv, Ukraine. The last two presidents, Poroshenko and Zelenskyy, are Jews."- https://ocenzurowane.pl/czy-ukraina-zostanie-wyludniona-dla-nowego-panstwa-zydowskiego/
"After a thorough analysis, the commander of the Russian army, General Valery Gerasimov, ordered the command of the Russian Air Force (VVS) and the missile forces to conduct a combined missile and air operation aimed at destroying military infrastructure facilities in the Kyiv metropolitan area. The airstrikes were to detect air defense positions and force the destruction of some surface-to-air missiles. Throughout January 1, 2024, the Russians consistently sent small groups of drones and single Iskander-K cruise missiles and Kh-59 aircraft. They were launched by Su-34 bombers. Iskander-M ballistic missiles struck missile launcher positions and radars. The Ukrainian side lost extremely expensive weapons delivered from NATO countries and elements of industrial infrastructure."- https://ocenzurowane.pl/rosyjskie-uderzenie-na-kijow/
"Reasons for Special Military Operation. According to official, probably underestimated data, its public debt exceeded 65% of GDP. The special military operation stopped all the reforms required by the International Monetary Fund and deepened the problems with the public debt to the point that Ukraine practically lost the ability to finance its army and administration and thus lost economic and political sovereignty. The Ukrainian oligarchy remained in power because it served the interests of the US and NATO. The special military operation effectively shielded the parasitic Ukrainian oligarchy from the blame for causing the country's economic collapse."- https://ocenzurowane.pl/przyczyny-specjalnej-operacji-wojskowej/
"Children's hospital in Kyiv hit by a Ukrainian missile, not a Russian one. The Times falsely reported ahead of the NATO summit that a “Russian missile” was responsible for destroying “Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital.” “The hospital strike was part of a nationwide barrage of bombings of Moscow, including one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv since the early months of the war,” the Times lied. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we later found out that the attack on the children’s hospital in Kyiv was a false flag attack organized by NATO masters and Ukronazi puppets the day before the NATO meeting in Washington just to rally everyone together and provide more support to Zelenskyy and his clique,” one commentator wrote."- https://ocenzurowane.pl/szpital-dzieciecy-w-kijowie-trafiony-ukrainska-rakieta-nie-rosyjska/
"If ever a war was easily avoidable, it's the one in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine was the result of the Western powers' stubborn desire to bring every country on the European continent into NATO and to expand NATO's borders to the borders of the Russian Federation. That the current war in Ukraine has always been about NATO expansion, not territorial seizure, was obvious from the peace negotiations that took place soon after the conflict began—first in Minsk and then in Istanbul."- https://ocenzurowane.pl/jesli-kiedykolwiek-wojny-mozna-bylo-latwo-uniknac-to-wojna-w-ukrainie-jest-wlasnie-taka-wojna/
The article asserts that the war in Ukraine resulted from the West’s persistent efforts to expand NATO to Russia’s borders, stating:
“The war in Ukraine was the result of the Western powers' stubborn desire to draw every country on the European continent into NATO and expand NATO's borders all the way to the borders of the Russian Federation.”This claim misrepresents the complex origins of the conflict, oversimplifying it as solely a consequence of NATO’s actions, thereby spreading disinformation. It supports Russian efforts to shift the blame from Russia’s war to the West.
Other articles on the Ocenzurowane media also refrain from justifying Russian aggression by blaming Ukraine and the West. An article suggests that Western powers ignored Russia’s security concerns, leading to the conflict, and failed to hold Russia accountable for its violations of international law.
“The war in Ukraine broke out because the Western powers ignored countless appeals by successive Soviet and Russian leaders for more than three decades... that there would be no security for anyone on the continent unless the West and Russia agreed on a common peace framework.”This narrative shifts the blame onto the West, implying that Russia’s actions were a defensive response to Western provocation, thereby justifying Russian aggression.
It also spreads Russian narratives about the fading West, the threat of NATO, the inevitable fall of Ukraine, criticism of sanctions, etc. An The article references NATO’s alleged betrayal of promises not to expand eastward:
“For example, President Bill Clinton, after assuring President Yeltsin that the Partnership for Peace program was an alternative to NATO enlargement... immediately retracted his words.”This statement aligns with Russian narratives portraying NATO as untrustworthy and aggressive, contributing to a perception of Western moral decay and duplicity.
- https://ocenzurowane.pl/jesli-kiedykolwiek-wojny-mozna-bylo-latwo-uniknac-to-wojna-w-ukrainie-jest-wlasnie-taka-wojna/
“Secret War Plans Revealed: Academic Extreme Strategies to SCALE Ukraine Proxy War. Leaked documents reveal a shadowy network of military academics proposing unconventional tactics—from ISIS-style propaganda to modernized IEDs—to prolong the war in Ukraine, raising questions about the role of Western intelligence and nefarious third parties in escalating the conflict.”- https://ocenzurowane.pl/ujawniono-tajne-plany-wojenne-akademickie-ekstremalne-strategie-majace-na-celu-skalowanie-ukrainskiej-wojny-zastepczej/
Finally, in a fear-mongering attempt, Ocenzurowane posts a fake claim that Poles from 18 years old will go to war with Russia in Ukraine while Ukrainians are sheltered in Poland.
“Who will go to war? Poles from the age of 18, Ukrainians from... 27 years. Do you know why young Poles, destined to be "cannon fodder," are supposed to go to the "Ukrainian war" from the age of 18, while Ukrainians only from the age of 27? This is not Russian propaganda. Why should young Poles aged 18-25 be sent to Ukraine in the globalists' war scenario, while at the same time their Ukrainian peers will be "sheltered" in Poland?”- https://ocenzurowane.pl/kto-pojdzie-na-wojne-polacy-od-18-roku-zycia-ukraincy-od-27-lat/
These examples illustrate how Russian and pro-Russian media sources attempt to influence the minds of Poles. The purpose of such narratives is not only to promote the Kremlin’s views and justify Russia’s war against Ukraine, but also to sow discord in the European Union, distrust governments, boost radical sentiment, weaken European unity, and undermine support for Ukraine.
In the second part of this study, we analyze the next five websites from the identified list.
Check also our previous research focused on other EU countries by clicking on the links below.