Russian state news agency TASS claims Ukraine is planning a provocation in Poland, warning that such actions could draw NATO into an armed conflict with Moscow.
Russian Claims of Ukrainian Provocation in Poland
TASS reported that the Foreign Intelligence Service said Ukraine plans to carry out a provocation in Poland using sabotage‑reconnaissance groups posing as Russian and Belarusian special forces. According to the Russian authorities, Kyiv continues efforts to drag NATO countries into an armed conflict with Moscow, and is presently preparing another provocation involving supposed Russian and Belarusian special forces. The alleged provocation would simulate attacks on Polish infrastructure to inflame public outrage. Russian sources added that the Zelensky regime, “protected by Europeans,” is ready to go all‑out, even at the cost of a “great war.”
Russian Warning About Possible Domestic Actions
The statement concludes, “It does not mean that Russians themselves will not carry it out.” Thus, Russian intelligence acknowledges potential internal acts of subversion while monitoring Ukrainian activities.
Assessment of Russian Sources and Propaganda
The cited briefings and communiqués originate from Russian state media and intelligence services, typical of Kremlin‑controlled propaganda: one‑sided, often unverified, aimed at shaping international perception. Professor Roman Baecker of Nicolaus Copernicus University notes that the Kremlin is launching a “completely fabricated propaganda operation” this time primarily for domestic consumption. All Russian outlets—including major newspapers—report on the alleged provocation, thereby persuading Russians that Kyiv is militant, obstinate, and unwilling to seek peace.
Expert Analysis of Disinformation Strategy
Professor Baecker believes the disinformation campaign seeks to discourage aid to Kyiv and uphold declining public support for the war in Russia. He argues it may be one of the cheapest Russian propaganda operations because provocateurs likely abandon their plans once exposed. He stresses that while Russian intelligence warns against such Ukrainian diversionist acts, it does not rule out similar actions by Russians themselves.
Fact‑Checking Response from Ukrainian Sources
Olena Czuranowa of the Ukrainian fact‑checking service StopFake notes that Moscow consistently employs the term “provocation” when intending to organize false‑flag operations, spark anxiety, or malign Ukraine.
