Russian intelligence services are preparing a large-scale information operation aimed at driving a wedge between Ukraine and Poland. According to the Centre for Countering Disinformation, falsified documents relating to the Volhynia tragedy may be made public on 5 July.
- Russia is planning a propaganda campaign against Ukraine and Poland.
- Falsified documents may be made public on 5 July.
- The aim is to provoke a conflict between Ukrainians and Poles.
- The CPD urges people to check their sources of information.
- Historical topics are used to spread disinformation.
The Kremlin is preparing a disinformation campaign
Russian security services are stepping up their activities, planning a large-scale information and psychological operation aimed at exacerbating relations between Ukraine and Poland. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation, noted that as early as 5 July, the Kremlin may release falsified documents relating to events of the Second World War, in particular the Volhynia tragedy.
The aim of the campaign is to sow discord amongst allies
The main aim of this operation is to provoke an emotional reaction within Ukrainian and Polish society, which could exacerbate historical disputes and undermine the strategic partnership between the two countries. Such information campaigns have become one of the key tools of Russia’s hybrid warfare, which seeks to weaken international support for Ukraine and sow mistrust amongst its allies.
«Russia regularly uses historical themes to carry out information operations,» the Centre for Public Diplomacy emphasised.
A call for caution
The Centre for Countering Disinformation urges Ukrainians to carefully verify their sources of information, not to share unverified material, and to bear in mind that such disinformation campaigns may be accompanied by forged documents, manipulative posts and bot activity on social media.
Why it matters
Poland remains one of Ukraine’s key allies in the military, humanitarian and political spheres. Any attempts by the Kremlin to stir up historical disputes may be aimed at undermining the unity between the two countries and reducing Polish public support for Ukraine.
