Pro-Russian Disinformation Campaign Targets Poland Through Telegram Channels
A network of Polish-language Telegram channels is spreading pro-Russian disinformation and propaganda, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine and sow discord within Polish society. The BBC has identified 22 such channels, with a combined subscriber base exceeding 150,000, disseminating a mix of false information, manipulated narratives, and content lifted directly from Russian state media outlets like RT and Sputnik. These channels often present themselves as impartial news sources, using slogans like "unbiased news" and "reliable and verified information hidden from the public," to gain credibility. However, their content frequently promotes Kremlin narratives, quotes Russian officials, and features pro-Russian commentators.
The disinformation tactics employed by these channels range from outright fabrications to more subtle manipulations. One example is a staged video depicting men in camouflage burning a US flag and portraits of American officials, falsely presented as Ukrainian soldiers expressing outrage at US policies. The video, featuring mispronounced Ukrainian spoken with a Russian accent, highlights the crude nature of some of the propaganda. Other tactics include sharing images with fabricated captions, such as a photo falsely claiming to show the staging of the Bucha massacre. These channels also frequently label Ukrainian leaders and soldiers as "Nazis," echoing a common Russian propaganda trope.
Beyond outright falsehoods, the channels also employ more nuanced disinformation strategies. They often mix true and false information or omit critical details to create a misleading impression. For instance, following a deadly Russian missile attack on Kyiv, several channels either ignored the incident entirely or echoed Kremlin claims blaming Ukraine for the casualties. This selective reporting and manipulation of facts aim to distort public perception and sow confusion.
The rise of these channels coincides with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Analysis of Telegram data reveals a pattern of mutual promotion and cross-posting among these channels, suggesting a coordinated effort. At least three channels initially published in Russian before rebranding as Polish-language platforms. This network effect amplifies their reach and reinforces their message within specific online communities.
Experts warn that Telegram serves as a breeding ground for disinformation, which then spreads to larger platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. These channels exploit existing anxieties within Polish society, particularly concerning economic hardship and cultural differences, to fuel anti-Ukrainian sentiment and erode support for refugees. They propagate narratives portraying Ukrainian refugees as criminals and a burden on the Polish economy, playing on real fears to further their divisive agenda.
While the identities behind many of these channels remain obscured, experts have identified links to Russia and Belarus. The posting schedules of some channels align with Moscow working hours, and others are directly connected to known pro-Kremlin figures and organizations. For instance, UKR LEAKS_pl is part of a network run by a former Ukrainian security service officer now collaborating with Russia, while InfoDefensePOLAND is linked to a pro-Kremlin blogger operating from Russia.
The Pravda PL channel is part of the broader Pravda network, a sprawling international web of pro-Kremlin websites and social media pages linked to a Russian IT firm in occupied Crimea. This network’s reach is so extensive that it has been found to influence the responses of AI chatbots, demonstrating the insidious nature of online disinformation.
Despite the insidious nature of this disinformation campaign, some channels maintain a veneer of impartiality, even claiming to offer unbiased news. Polska Grupa Informacyjna, for example, insists it is an independent news channel committed to impartiality, asserting that it sometimes shares controversial material without endorsement for informational purposes. However, the consistent pattern of pro-Kremlin narratives raises serious concerns about its true agenda.
Experts warn that the spread of pro-Kremlin disinformation through these Telegram channels poses a significant threat. It allows Russian propaganda to circumvent bans on state media outlets like RT and Sputnik, reaching a wider audience within Poland. This campaign aims to undermine support for Ukraine, exacerbate societal divisions, and ultimately advance Russia’s geopolitical objectives. The manipulative tactics employed, combined with the channels’ deceptive presentation as impartial news sources, highlight the sophisticated and insidious nature of this disinformation operation. The continued proliferation of these narratives necessitates increased vigilance and critical evaluation of online information.