Disinformation Campaign Targeted Ukrainians in Poland
The Center for Countering Disinformation reported that deceptive narratives aim to incite ethnic hatred.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Terrorism
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The National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation identified a coordinated effort to discredit Ukrainians residing in Poland. The campaign spreads false allegations of criminality and territorial disputes to undermine aid efforts.
Why it matters
By manufacturing narratives of a Ukrainian fifth column and widespread criminal behavior, this campaign seeks to fracture the relationship between Poland and Ukraine. Observers warn these efforts aim to incite interethnic conflict and stifle international support for the Ukrainian war effort.
The National Security and Defense Council has formally documented this active campaign as part of its ongoing intelligence surveillance. Investigators are currently monitoring the spread of these materials to determine the origin of the manipulative content.
The players
Center for Countering Disinformation
This is a body within the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine tasked with monitoring and exposing malicious information operations.
National Security and Defense Council
This Ukrainian state agency coordinates and exercises control over the activities of executive bodies in the sphere of national security.
The details
Articles appearing in the Polish information space allege that Ukrainians have established drug-production businesses and are committing mass crimes against local citizens. Additionally, propagandists have spread false claims that Ukraine intends to redraw Poland's borders to match the historic boundaries of the Duchy of Warsaw.
Timeline
The Center for Countering Disinformation issued its statement on September 24, 2026.
Legal Context
This disinformation effort follows a documented pattern of Russian-aligned propaganda strategies that manipulate historical grievances to destabilize modern alliances. By leveraging the specific memory of the Duchy of Warsaw, the campaign seeks to exploit long-standing regional sensitivities.
The spread of these manipulative narratives poses a direct risk of increasing interethnic tensions within local communities in Poland. Residents are advised to verify sources of inflammatory claims before sharing them, as the campaign specifically aims to provoke social unrest.
The takeaway
Media literacy remains the most effective defense against campaigns designed to sow division between neighboring nations. Readers should remain skeptical of anonymous reports that lean heavily into nationalistic tropes or unverified criminal allegations.
Further reading
Learn more about the tactics used in Terrorism to destabilize regional security.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Interfax-Ukraine.
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