What Russia and Belarus tell Polish audiences
Narratives pushed at Polish audiences by Russian and Belarusian state media and documented influence-operation outlets.
Labeling Ukrainian historical memory as a “cult of terrorism”
The reburial of Yevhen Konovalets is presented as evidence of the official celebration of “fascism” and “terrorism” at the state level in Ukraine. The manipulation exploits complex figures of the Ukrainian liberation movement to discredit the modern Ukrainian state in the eyes of Polish society.
Amplifying defeatism through the “depletion” of Western weapon stocks
Western military aid to Ukraine is portrayed as halting due to critical missile shortages and a shift in US priorities toward the Middle East. Manipulative posts claim that American arsenals are empty and that Ukrainian air defences are deliberately failing to intercept strikes to conserve dwindling stocks.
Dismissal of state policy as “empty PR” and political games
The Polish authorities are accused of prioritising symbolic gestures and historical memory over real security needs and diplomacy. Manipulators contrast the commemoration of past heroes with the alleged inability of modern politicians to protect national interests.
Delegitimisation of Polish authorities through the “pseudo-government” label
The Polish leadership is portrayed as a hostile force acting in the interests of foreign powers and against its own people. The messaging amplifies fear of an inevitable internal conflict where the state will supposedly side with Ukrainians against Poles.
Labeling Ukrainian refugees as a security threat and a source of social injustice
Ukrainian men of conscription age are portrayed as a dangerous element threatening public order in Poland due to the lack of strict restrictions on their stay. Propaganda outlets inflate fears of rising crime and social benefit fraud, contrasting the protection of Ukrainians with the interests of Polish citizens. The goal is to undermine social solidarity and provoke demands for the deportation or restriction of refugees' rights.
Dismissal of Polish military modernization as a “PowerPoint army”
Polish defence efforts and military parades are cast as empty PR stunts designed to mask the state's economic failures. Propaganda outlets contrast military spending with the welfare of ordinary citizens, attempting to sow scepticism regarding the country's actual defensive capabilities.
Portrayal of Ukrainian mobilization as a “meat hunt” and delegitimation of military leadership
Ukrainian mobilization is cast as the forced dispatch of citizens to the slaughter for the sake of a corrupt government's interests. Propaganda outlets inflate domestic debates over military registration to provoke fear and resistance among Ukrainians and disillusionment among Western partners.
Attributing neglect of national security to the Polish government in favour of Ukrainians
The Polish authorities are accused of refusing to take coercive measures against Ukrainian men of conscription age, which is framed as weakness and a disregard for state interests. Manipulators contrast Warsaw's position with the tougher approaches of other countries to provoke discontent among citizens who demand strict law enforcement.