Pro-Russian Propaganda Circulates in Poland via Telegram Channels

Analysis shows that a network of Polish-language Telegram channels is disseminating pro-Russian propaganda, often resorting to misinformation and extremist narratives. This trend raises concerns over public opinion in Poland, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and refugees.

In the heart of Poland’s digital landscape, a troubling pattern of pro-Russian propaganda is emerging, particularly through an extensive network of Polish-language Telegram channels. A recent investigation by the BBC has identified upwards of twenty channels, amassing over 150,000 subscribers collectively, that spread a range of disinformation and propaganda favoring Russian narratives.

Inside one video obtained by the BBC, two men in camouflage clothing, mimicking Ukrainian soldiers, burn images of well-known American figures alongside a U.S. flag. The scene, laden with nationalistic imagery, is staged, casting doubt on the authenticity of the message conveyed. Experts note that such videos, despite being cloaked in a veneer of legitimacy, are often rife with inaccuracies, highlighted by the heavy mispronunciation of Ukrainian words.

Telegram’s utility as a platform for disinformation is noted in Poland’s context, despite the app being less common among the general population. Many posts originating from these channels contain explicit anti-Ukrainian sentiment or blatantly false narratives, such as those questioning documented atrocities like the Bucha massacre. This targeting of factual events illustrates a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at undermining public support for Ukraine and influencing societal views towards Ukrainian refugees.

Analysts have observed a concerted effort to intertwine true and false narratives, effectively distorting reality. The channels frequently replicate content from Russian state media, thereby introducing foreign agendas into the Polish digital dialogue, with some have even been founded by users from Russia and Belarus. These networks are often used to portray Ukraine’s leadership as illegitimate and fueled by Western interests, thus deepening the existing societal divisions.

Tracing the origins of these channels reveals a significant overlap with Russian information operations initiated post the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Many channels share a symbiotic relationship, cross-referencing each other's content to increase perceived validity among followers.

Further, the socio-economic implications of these narratives are troubling; they prey on existing anxieties within Polish society regarding military spending and the impact of Ukrainian refugees. Some posts have incited resentment, categorizing Ukrainian refugees inaccurately, which has coincided with a palpable decline in public support for humanitarian efforts aimed at nurturing these displaced populations.

Experts emphasize the necessity of vigilance and fact-checking as these channels continue to pose a significant threat to information integrity within Poland. The ongoing infusion of pro-Kremlin narratives complicates the country’s broader efforts to support Ukraine amid a prevailing atmosphere of skepticism and division nourished by disinformation.

With Poland adopting a crucial role as a frontline supporter of Ukraine, measures like the BBC's launch of a new Polish language service aim to counteract the cycle of misinformation and bolster public comprehension, employing advanced AI technologies alongside human oversight to ensure reliability and impartiality in reporting.