Poland Prepares for Possible Russian Provocations

Polish intelligence agencies are preparing for possible Russian sabotage operations aimed at fueling tensions between Poles and Ukrainians, Tomasz Siemoniak, the minister responsible for coordinating Poland's intelligence services, told radio station RMF FM.

Relations between Warsaw and Kyiv have deteriorated following President Karol Nawrocki's decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland's highest state honor. The move stemmed from a dispute over the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, whom Poland holds responsible for massacres of Poles during World War II.

According to Siemoniak, Russia has intensified its information campaign against Poland in recent weeks. He said trolls and bots are attempting to inflame divisions and manipulate online debate.

The minister warned that Moscow is seeking to create as much friction as possible between Poland and Ukraine. He said provocations – including possible attacks targeting Ukrainians living in Poland – are a realistic threat that could further escalate tensions.

Siemoniak added that Polish intelligence has identified interest from individuals linked to Russian intelligence services in facilities critical to Polish-Ukrainian cooperation. These include military sites, critical infrastructure and organizations providing assistance to Ukraine.

He also said Western intelligence agencies are increasingly concerned about the risk of Russian hybrid operations – or even direct attacks – against Poland and the Baltic states.

(reuters, bak)