Pro-Russian Disinformation Channels Emerge in Poland Amid Ukraine Conflict

The emergence of multiple pro-Russian Telegram channels in Poland is found to be misinforming the public by disseminating fabricated narratives and undermining support for Ukraine, as experts warn of the channels' influence on societal perceptions and attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees.

In the heart of a Polish woodland, a staged video featuring two men in camouflage clothing, purportedly Ukrainian soldiers, has sparked concern. The clip, shared among subscribers of a Telegram channel, portrays the men burning the US flag alongside images of prominent politicians. However, experts assert that the setup is artificial, with heavily accented Ukrainian and generic uniforms suggesting ulterior motives behind its dissemination.

BBC's investigation highlights a network of 22 Polish-language Telegram channels, collectively boasting over 150,000 followers, which are responsible for propagating various forms of pro-Russian misinformation. Though Telegram's usage in Poland is relatively low, the platform acts as an incubator for narratives that later spread through larger social media channels.

Among these channels, some claim to provide impartial news, while others promote content from Russian state media, including RT and Sputnik, which have faced bans in the EU due to disinformation. Expert Aleksy Szymkiewicz notes that these channels often amplify Russian propaganda by echoing Kremlin narratives and characterizing Ukrainian leadership and military figures derogatorily.

A troubling example highlighted by the investigation includes a post alleging that victims of atrocities in Bucha were merely "prepared" for media coverage, thereby casting doubt on indisputable evidence of Russian war crimes. Other posts suggest that Ukrainian refugees create societal burdens, exacerbating tensions within Poland.

The channels surged following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, often relying on a strategy of reposting each other's material and bolstering narratives that blame Ukraine for escalating conflicts. Experts contend that this coordinated effort seeks to undermine support for Ukraine and polarize Polish society.

Authorities caution that while outright pro-Russian sentiment might resonate poorly with Polish historical narratives, subtle messages laced with truth and falsehood may influence public opinion. Pro-Kremlin actors exploit social anxieties, redirecting frustrations towards Ukraine, especially as public sentiment grows weary of ongoing refugee support.

The identities behind these channels remain largely unknown, but connections to Russian and Belarusian influences have been suggested. Such channels often operate under a guise of legitimacy yet perpetuate disinformation that seeps into broader societal discourse, complicating Poland’s support for Ukraine amid the conflict.

As Poland continues to take a stand against Russian aggression, the existence of these channels poses a significant challenge to national narrative coherence, calling for vigilant public discourse and robust counter-narrative strategies. The BBC's new Polish-language service aims to provide reliable news amid these troubling developments, leveraging editorial oversight and innovative technology to combat misinformation.