Anti-Ukrainian content surges 250% in Poland as Russian campaign intensifies
The volume of anti-Ukrainian content circulating in Poland has increased by 250%, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation reported on Aug. 17.
Anti-Ukrainian content in Poland has surged by 250% according to Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, which reported this increase on August 17. The drastic growth is attributed to a heightened Russian propaganda campaign that preys on Polish historical sensitivities from the World War II era. Kremlin officials allegedly manipulated public discourse surrounding the issue and harnessed social media bots to artificially boost the reach of their message, according to the center.
Ukrainian authorities had earlier highlighted the prevalence of AI-generated anti-Ukrainian content on Polish social media platforms. False narratives circulated, claiming a "Ukrainian missile" had landed in Poland and falsely portraying Poland's support for Ukraine's Armed Forces for a decade. AI-generated videos also circulated, falsely suggesting Poland was selling fuel to Ukraine at a discounted rate subsidized by Polish consumers, when in fact all fuel deliveries are based on European market rates.
Other videos promoted the notion that Ukrainians have a "privileged position" in Europe, often juxtaposing footage of Ukrainian vacationers with a fabricated war narrative to cast doubt on the reality of Russian aggression. The Center for Countering Disinformation claimed the campaign aimed to exacerbate tensions between Ukraine and Poland.
Russia acknowledged the strategic importance of the nations' partnership and utilized disinformation and manipulation to undermine it, the agency stated. In an infographic published on August 5, the center examined shifts in Polish attitudes towards Ukrainian citizens since the start of 2026. Polish authorities have noted a rise in police reports of crimes against Ukrainians since the beginning of the year.
During a call on July 29, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the security threats facing Ukrainians in Poland following a series of attacks on Ukrainian nationals for their nationality and language. Several Ukrainians were severely beaten.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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