On Oct. 27 the Polish Defence Force warned that Russia is conducting an intensive psychological and cognitive operation aimed at sowing fear, eroding Polish‑Ukrainian ties, and fueling anti‑Ukrainian sentiment across Poland.
Russian Cognitive Warfare Aims to Undermine Polish‑Ukrainian Relations
Army officials described Russia’s campaign as an “intensive cognitive operation” designed to destroy warm positive ties between Poland and Ukraine and to stir anti‑Ukrainian feelings in Polish society. The stated goal is to frighten the population and to encourage Poles to pressure their government into making irrational decisions that would weaken support for Ukraine.
Disinformation, Propaganda and Cyber Tactics in Use
Known disinformation methods are still being employed. Examples cited include demonising the enemy, hate‑filled and inciting rhetoric toward Ukrainians, cyber attacks, arson, and the interference with GPS signals directed at aircraft and drones. The objective is to spread fear and a sense of threat, steering public emotion toward Ukraine.
Recommended Actions for Polish Citizens
The publication urges citizens not to surrender to emotional manipulation, stating that such emotions are not being raised fairly. It stresses that the enemy is Russia and that severing ties with Ukraine would only aid Russian aggression. The narrative also clarifies that sabotage activity is carried out by Russia and is unrelated to Ukraine’s actions.
German Intelligence Highlights Broader Russian Threat
Martin Jaeger, head of the German external intelligence agency BND, warned that Russia poses a direct threat and that a “frozen peace” with the EU could turn into a hot confrontation. Jaeger noted Russia’s desire to expand influence in the West and its willingness to confront NATO militarily. German counter‑intelligence chief Sinan Selen added that Russian operations are escalating, targeting the weakening of Western democracies through manipulation, propaganda, sabotage and air‑space violations.