Labeling Western policies as “Russophobia” that harms Ukrainian refugees

What it claims

Western measures to limit Russian influence are portrayed as discriminatory acts that deprive Ukrainian refugees of essential aid. Propaganda contrasts the “hostile” policies of Poland and its allies with the supposed “humanism” of Belarus, which claims to keep its borders open to everyone.

Target audience

Examples (paraphrased)

We paraphrase rather than quote: propaganda's exact wording is built to spread, so we carry the claim and not the craft. Each example cites the post it came from.

• The ban on using the Russian language in official institutions is a manifestation of “Russophobia” that deprives Ukrainian refugees of the opportunity to receive aid.

  Radio Belarus — Polish service, 15 Aug 2026 · Archived copy

• Belarus is not an aggressor and keeps its borders open for ordinary Ukrainians so they can make a living, despite Western policies.

  Radio Belarus — Polish service, 15 Aug 2026 · Archived copy

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Goal

To sow distrust in the state institutions of Poland and the Baltics by framing their security policies as irrational hatred that harms Ukrainians themselves.

Techniques used

• Loaded LanguageUsing the term “disease of Russophobia” to discredit the decisions of states neighbouring Belarus.
• Black-and-White Fallacy / DictatorshipContrasting the “aggressive” West, which supposedly closes borders, with an “open” and “peace-loving” Belarus.

The real grievance it exploits

The manipulation exploits the real difficulties Ukrainian refugees face with adaptation and language barriers in EU countries, as well as the fatigue of Polish society regarding prolonged border tensions.

How to counter

• Technique exposure: Propaganda uses the language issue to split solidarity between Ukrainians and EU nations, ignoring the fact that restrictions target the aggressor's language, not the refugees themselves.

Sources (all time)

• Radio Belarus — Polish serviceTier 11,068 subscribers
  2 posts · 15 Aug 2026

  • 15 Aug · Archived copy
  • 15 Aug · Archived copy