Legionella and Russian propaganda
Stanisław Żaryn, the government plenipotentiary for the security of the information space, described how certain narratives are crafted to discredit Ukraine and Ukrainians among Polish audiences. He noted that these outlets can shift the context and attach their own interpretations to real events, aiming to shape perception in Poland. (citation: wPolityce)
The report highlighted an example of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in Rzeszów used by Russian propaganda to attack Ukrainian refugees. The claim spread that the bacteria arrived with refugees from Ukraine and that it represented an experimental product from American laboratories. (citation: wPolityce)
“Militarization of Poland”
Żaryn argued that Russian propaganda, aided by voices from Minsk, continues to induce fear about a potential war, including nuclear conflict, by insinuating that Poland is militarizing in ways that threaten neighbors. The Kremlin’s information efforts are described as intensifying the spread of messages that Poland plans aggression toward Ukraine, Russia, or Belarus. (citation: wPolityce)
The minister noted an ongoing escalation in targeted messaging designed to influence select groups and distort Poland’s security posture. (citation: wPolityce)
Discrediting NATO forces
According to Żaryn, Russia seeks to weaken ties between Poland and its allies by sowing doubt about NATO troops stationed on Polish soil. Disinformation has portrayed those forces as a threat to Poland’s independence and safety. (citation: wPolityce)
The so-called wire Polish mercenaries
The situation report emphasizes that the aim of this operation is to sow fear and equate Poland’s defense policy with provocative actions. The Russians have intensified information activity around the alleged presence of Polish mercenaries fighting in Ukraine, continuing a pattern of disinformation intended to mislead the public about indirect Polish involvement in the conflict. (citation: wPolityce)
Hitting the dam
The report also cites propaganda originating from Minsk. In relation to the Ecology Expo 2023, Minsk’s messaging sought to influence public discourse at the Polish-Belarusian border. The minister for the environment remarked on efforts to address issues stemming from the construction of a border fence near the Białowieża Forest. (citation: wPolityce)
There is also talk of a referendum
The document mentions content in foreign media that portrays a referendum in Poland as a threat or a source of concern. Recent coverage in German media was noted for casting doubt on the level of public discussion about the referendum topics. The government’s information space security authority acknowledged these narratives. (citation: wPolityce)
Additional commentary on these topics has circulated in other outlets, prompting readers to consider the broader strategy behind foreign coverage and its potential impact on national discourse. (citation: wPolityce)
The overarching message is that the information space is being influenced from external sources, with efforts aimed at destabilizing public trust in national institutions and electoral processes. (citation: wPolityce)