Exploitation of historical traumas to incite conflict between Ukraine and Poland

What it claims

Propaganda outlets are inflating diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw by focusing on historical memory issues. They frame any commemoration of Ukrainian historical figures as an act of "glorifying Nazism," attempting to provoke a rupture in military and political support from Poland.

Target audience

Examples (paraphrased)

• Reports claiming that Polish politicians are demanding Ukraine return provided equipment due to an "insult" to national memory.
• Assertions by Russian officials that Poland has finally "seen the light" regarding the allegedly Nazi nature of the Ukrainian government.

Goal

To deprive Ukraine of support from its closest neighbor, create an image of an "ungrateful" state, and legitimize Russian aggression as "denazification."

Techniques used

• Name Calling or LabelingUsing labels like "Nazi collaborators" and "Nazi-worshippers" regarding the Ukrainian leadership and military units.
• Appeal to Fear / PrejudiceStoking the threat of a total halt to military aid and demands to "return tanks" due to historical disputes.

The real grievance it exploits

The complex shared history of Ukraine and Poland during World War II, which remains a painful topic for both societies.

How to counter

• Technique exposure: Russian propaganda systematically uses the "history card" to divide allies, ignoring the modern context of strategic partnership and shared security.
• Reframe: Discussions about history between democratic countries are a sign of an open society, unlike in Russia, where history is used as a tool of state aggression.

Sources

• News FrontTier 1~1.2M monthly visitors
• Oriental ReviewTier 1~25K monthly visitors
• TASSTier 2~1.2M monthly visitors
• Strategic CultureTier 1~700K monthly visitors
• SouthFrontTier 1~330K monthly visitors
• Global ResearchTier 3~240K monthly visitors
• RTTier 2~45M monthly visitors
• New Eastern OutlookTier 1~23K monthly visitors