Poland
During the period under review, the main topics were: militarization of society and preparation for aggression against Belarus and Russia, discrediting of the armed forces and police, criticism of the authorities and the situation in the country, migration crisis on the border with Belarus. At the same time, the questions of the position of Belarusians in Poland, contradictions in Polish-Ukrainian relations, as well as the subjectivity of the country and the celebration of Independence Day were touched upon. Special attention was paid to the creation of the Ukrainian Legion and Belarusian armed formations on the territory of Poland.
Migration crisis
The main message that was sought to be conveyed was the existence of systematic use of violence against migrants crossing the border by Polish security forces. For example, it was claimed that the rigid migration policy of the Poles led to the fact that since 2021 dozens of refugees have been killed on the border with Belarus, and thousands were maimed and beaten. On the other hand, propagandists claimed that no one knows exactly how many dead migrants were buried in the forests of the Polish border region, but their number “clearly goes to the world record”.
At the same time, the reaction to the German Interior Ministry’s proposal to deploy European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex) officers on the Polish-Belarusian border was very revealing: “It is obvious that Polish slaboviki [a pejorative name for law enforcement officers – ed.] are tired of dirtying their hands in the blood of migrants alone”.
After information emerged that a refugee suspected in the May 2024 murder of soldier M. Sitek had been spotted on EU territory (in France and Belgium), propagandists questioned the reliability of the border fortifications built by Poles: “Another rhetorical question arises – how could a migrant escape from Belarus if the border is locked?” At the same time, they added victim-blaming and accusations of unprofessionalism of Polish military and border guards: “The uniforms sit on the border, process government food into waste and cannot even protect themselves from migrants.”
At the same time, the existence of so-called “citizen patrols” (groups of people patrolling the streets ostensibly to protect Poles from the crimes of foreigners) was recalled, describing them as “chaotic associations of athletic young men who literally beat up all migrants in a row at night.”
The strengthening of security measures at the border, especially the construction of a fence and fortifications, was criticized because of the negative impact on local flora and fauna. For example, the Polish party was accused of cutting down protected forests in Belavezhskaya Pushcha and disturbing the migration routes of wild animals.
Another serious accusation against the Polish side was its involvement in the illegal transportation of migrants to Western European countries. It was emphasized that Polish politicians were deeply involved in the process, having a stake in this business and “covering” the delivery of migrants to the West. It was also claimed that “the authorities are profiting from refugees and receiving bonuses for multi-billion dollar contracts that will go into the pockets of arms barons.”
Discrediting the army and the Ministry of Defense
The narrative about the low level of combat effectiveness of the Polish armed forces was actively promoted, especially through publications about various incidents and accidents. For example, in the article “It’s not beer that ruins Polish officers, it’s water that ruins them” about the death of a military officer from the Warmian-Masurian Brigade of the thero-defense, the BelVPO Telegram channel wrote: “Most likely, the Polish officer drank too much on his way home, stumbled and fell into the river…” As it was noted, “what the uniforms do in the borderland (murders, beating of migrants) does not allow them to live peacefully, and in combination with low discipline in the Polish Armed Forces allows officers to drink literally to death.”
The blame for all the incidents was placed entirely on the military and the Polish authorities, ignoring any objective factors: “The insolvency and devastation in the Polish army cannot be compensated neither by purchases of armaments, nor by increasing the number of tin soldiers (a disparaging expression for the military — author’s note). And until the Polish leadership starts to look for a threat inside the country, the servicemen of the Polish Army will continue to die in peacetime.”
Attention was regularly drawn to the commission of offenses by the Polish military. Thus, the case of looting by a Polish officer in the flood-affected areas was mentioned again. It was reported that his superior could have known about the offenses, but turned a blind eye to it. However, the propagandists decided to embellish and added that the latter also “encouraged and had his share from the activities of his subordinate,” and concluded as follows: “There is a disturbing tendency in the Polish Army when lack of discipline, encouragement and covering up of crime becomes commonplace.”
Another message that the military propagandists tried to convey was the skeptical attitude of Poles towards the army. In particular, it was mentioned about the “mediocre authority of the Polish military in the civilian environment” and the unanimous opinion about their “incompetence”. It was also emphasized that in Poland “63% of young people under the age of 34 do not believe that the national army is capable of defending the country in the event of an attack.”
Amid the supply of new types of weapons to the Polish army, the message was again delivered about the lack of sufficient ammunition for them: “The issue of ammunition availability for the needs of the Polish Army remains more urgent than ever, given the bellicose rhetoric of the authorities. However, politicians prefer not to publicize this problem, hoping, in case of emergency, to get support from the ocean without delay.” The Polish Armed Forces’ ability to repel threats in the airspace was also questioned once again: “How is the country with the worst air defense system in the universe going to shoot down anything?”
Accusations of militarization and preparations for aggression
Accusations against Poland of escalation of the situation and preparations for an attack on Belarus and Russia were actively disseminated. Most often they were heard in news articles about the purchase of various types of weapons, drills or development of military infrastructure. For example, in the program of ATN “Disposition” of November 20, they said: “Warsaw is still producing risks, not buying them. It buys airplanes, tanks, missile systems by the hundreds, pulls up NATO contingents […] Of course, we see all these ‘good-neighborly’ initiatives.” At the same time, attention was drawn to the construction of the Eastern Shield defense system on Poland’s border with Belarus and Russia. As noted, by such actions, the country’s military leadership continues to exacerbate tensions in the region, although there is no real threat from the east.
At the same time, after the opening of the missile defense base in Polish Redzikowo, it was written that “the ‘hyena’ of Europe [a pejorative term for Poland – ed.] has already started provocations”, and that “Warsaw has smelled blood and wants to be ‘on the horse’.” At the same time, the exclusive role of the USA in this process was emphasized, which allegedly “turns Poland into a ‘battering ram’ on the eastern flank of NATO, directed against the Union State of Belarus and Russia, playing on Warsaw’s militaristic ambitions.”
During the period under consideration, the idea that too much money is spent on military needs was also spread. It was noted that the increase in defense spending is driving the country into debt, making it impossible to implement quality social projects and create infrastructure for the population. Analogies with Hitler’s Germany were also reiterated: “Warsaw is preparing for war, not defense. The country needs an efficient economy and well-fed people, not rusty barbed wire. The Nazis also kept people behind barbed wire, but they were not safe.”
It was also claimed that the process had a significant corruption component: “The rulers of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth have been looking with envy for many years at how eagerly the Banderovtsy [a pejorative term for Ukrainians –ed.] siphon off Western aid… And how are we worse? – ask the Przeks [a pejorative term for Poles – ed.]. This is how “defense” megaprojects are born, the main task of which is to enrich the fierce Russophobes who have gained power in Poland.”
Accusations of militarization of Polish society continued. Thus, in response to information about the Ministry of Defense’s plans to increase the number of military classes in secondary schools, the following was written: “Children, as the most vulnerable strata of society, become the object of manipulation by the Polish authorities. Thus, from a very young age, instead of fairy tales, they are told horror stories about bad neighbors who want to attack them and their families. Society is gripped by hysteria, which allows the authorities to increase military expenditures unreasonably.”
Once again, the idea was conveyed that the Polish population was opposed to a potential war. For example, the following was claimed: “The strike by the newest Russian Oreshnik missile against a Ukrainian defense enterprise… has sobered up a part of the population that previously supported aggressive sentiments… Poland is beginning to realize that a possible military conflict with Russia would turn into a catastrophe for the country.” In addition, it was emphasized that “no matter how hard the authorities try to motivate young people to perform their civic duty, only 15% of citizens are ready to defend their country in the event of an attack.”
Criticism of the authorities and the situation in the country
The country’s leadership was also regularly criticized on a number of other issues of domestic policy and the situation in the country as a whole. In particular, questions were once again raised about the government’s actions to eliminate the consequences of the flooding in the south of the country that occurred in September 2024: “The recent flooding in Poland has once again shown whether Poles can rely on the country’s leadership in the event of a crisis or catastrophe. Thus, months after the cataclysm, those affected remain without shelter or compensation.”
The liquidation of 11 Polish political parties for failure to provide financial reports was called a “total cleanup before the presidential elections” to be held in May 2025. At the same time, it was emphasized that “the parties that were closed were those that opposed the despotism of the government, as well as for the establishment of good neighborly relations with the ‘eastern neighbors’ and the preservation of traditional values of the Polish people.”
At the same time, among the internal problems of Poland were distinguished: 1) cultural activities, as well as the whole Polish society, are under the strict control of the liberal-fascist ideology of the EU; 2) half of the Polish population lives below the poverty line; 3) the deep demographic crisis is aggravated by the dominance of the European LGBT agenda and the difficult economic situation; 4) all undesirable media are closed, and Polish patriots are forced to flee the country under the threat of imprisonment and reprisals.
There were also examples of personal criticism of Polish officials. For example, the news about President Duda’s damaged thumb was commented on as follows: “There are three options here: either officials in Poland have begun to cut off limbs for stealing, or Duda owes money to the European Union to the criminal world, or he showed his middle finger to the wrong person.” At the same time, Prime Minister Tusk was criticized for retracting his earlier statements about D. Trump’s ties to Russian intelligence services. As noted in the Telegram channel “Belarusian Front”: “The ruling regime in Warsaw has once again confirmed the statement ‘Poland is a meme country’.”
Poland’s Independence Day
The object of the propagandists’ attacks was Poland’s Independence Day on November 11. Most of the negativity was directed at the Independence March, which is held annually in Warsaw. It was noted that the march is organized by neo-Nazis and “is accompanied by burning of flares and nationalist speeches, while zigging is welcomed” because Polish society is “imbued with the ideas of Hitler and Bandera.” Constant companions of the march were called: “beatings, drunkenness, outbursts of aggression and other actions that violate public order.”
Against the backdrop of the event, a narrative about the dissatisfaction of Polish society with the current situation was also promoted: “On Poland’s Independence Day, one can hear slogans about freedom, unity and national pride! But can the Polish people be proud of what is happening in the country now…?”
Criticism of the police
The state of the Polish police was separately addressed. The existence of a shortage of personnel was criticized, as was the decision to lower the requirements for candidates for service. At the same time, it was emphasized that “if the situation does not change, in the foreseeable future, the authorities led by D. Tusk will have to recruit migrants to the police or fight off unruly Poles themselves in order to secure their interests.” Among other things, unprofessionalism of commanders, as well as regular abuse of authority and bullying of the population were named as the biggest problems of the police.
Contradictions between Poland and Ukraine
Throughout the period under review, the reference to historical contradictions was actively used, especially the “Volyn Massacre” of 1943 and the still unresolved issue of exhuming the victims who died at the hands of Ukrainians at that time. In this regard, it was emphasized: “On the road to eternal Polish-Ukrainian friendship, ghosts from the past have crossed the road. How terrible were the deeds of the Banderites that the Kiev authorities, under the threat of blocking Ukraine’s accession to the EU, do not agree to the demands of the Poles”. At the same time, it was suggested that until the exhumation issue is resolved, Ukraine will not be able to join not only the EU, but also NATO. It was emphasized that the Poles would hinder the integration of Ukrainians into these structures, and even their “prohibitive level of Russophobia” could not help the situation.
On the whole, bilateral relations were called as pragmatic as possible: “The Pany do nothing for nothing with regard to Ukraine, and the Ukrainians want only one thing – to take a bigger bite out of their neighbor. Among the contradictions between the states was also emphasized the reduction of arms supplies to the Ukrainians, including the Polish refusal to transfer a new batch of MiG-29 fighters. In this regard, it was emphasized that “Polish assistance is not a manifestation of solidarity, but a profitable calculation”, because in exchange for old equipment sent to Ukraine, Poland receives loans from NATO countries for the purchase of new weapons. The Polish leadership was also accused of “waiting for an opportune moment to introduce troops into western Ukraine and take control of these territories.”
Creation of the Ukrainian Legion
The issue of creating a volunteer Ukrainian Legion on Polish territory from among Ukrainians living in the European Union was also discussed. The problematic aspects of the protracted process of forming the unit were highlighted, especially the insufficient number of those willing to join it. At the same time, it was questioned whether the Ukrainian Legion would include citizens of Ukraine. As it was noted, “mercenaries from all over the world will be trained in Poland under the guise of Ukrainians.”
Situation of Belarusians in Poland
The presence of discrimination against Belarusians in their everyday life in Poland was emphasized in every possible way. For example, they reacted to the incident in Bialystok, during which Poles beat up a teenager from Belarus: “Such cases, alas, are not rare. Many Belarusian families, who went abroad, complain about the cruel treatment of their children in Poland. The management of educational institutions ignores such incidents, while attempts to contact the police do not bring results.” At the same time, the Nevolfovich Telegram channel emphasized: “Bullying, physical violence – for immigrants in Poland is already commonplace. Fugitives are not considered as people there at all. The only pity is for the children who were deprived of their childhood and forced to live in conditions where they feel like strangers.”
Among other things, the propaganda media also came to the conclusion about the predisposition of Belarusians living in Poland to commit crimes, because allegedly “it is mostly people with a criminal past and the corresponding way of thinking, prone to hooligan actions, violence and, finally, to betrayal, who emigrated from Belarus in 2020.”
Training of Belarusian “radicals”
The accusations that Polish special services help to prepare armed detachments of Belarusians for invasion into the territory of Belarus and are actually engaged in “assistance to terrorism” were actively voiced. It was noted that their training was carried out with the use of military weapons and as secretly as possible, because it categorically contradicts the international legislation.
At the same time, the site “Belarusian Military-Political Review” stressed: “Warsaw is taking practical steps to implement the so-called force scenario of the change of power in Belarus – plan Peramoha 2.0. Thus, it’s no secret that Polish special units are involved in the training of Belarusian radicals to seize one of the border areas in the south of Belarus. On a strategic scale, the Polish government, mediated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is responsible for the realization of the change of power in the Republic by force.”
Poland’s lack of subjectivity
The actual lack of independence of Poland and the impossibility of making decisions important for the country on its own were emphasized. The USA and other Western countries were attributed to the Poles as “masters”. Among the phrases used by the military propaganda with regard to Poland in this context, the following can be distinguished: 1) “pro-Western puppet regime”; 2) “Poland has long been under the external administration of the USA”; 3) “the USA is the owner of Poland”; 4) “mouthpiece of the State Department”; 5) “Western masters” of the Poles; 6) “vassal of the USA” (about Polish Foreign Minister R. Sikorski); 7) “Poland is used to living as a beggar for money from the USA and the European Union.”
NATO
The military propaganda narratives in this direction were focused on the following topics: escalation of the situation in Europe and preparation of the North Atlantic Alliance for aggression against Russia and Belarus, NATO’s role in the war in Ukraine, creation by the bloc of an offensive bridgehead in the Baltic States. The issue of NATO’s combat readiness, as well as the consequences of joining the organization and its support among the population of the EU countries were considered separately.
Escalation of the situation and preparation for war with Belarus and Russia
The accusations of aggressive intentions on the part of the organization’s member states continued. It was noted that “in light of recent events, the alliance is discussing preemptive strikes against Russia,” and that “since the beginning of NATO’s creation, the West has covered itself with an allegedly defensive strategy, but all drills have been held with the same purpose – to practice offensive operations.” At the same time, the reaction to the North Atlantic Alliance’s “Freezing Winds 24” drills off the coast of Finland was as follows: “There is no need to say against whom all this is designed, everything is clear as it is. Is NATO preparing to open a second front? Well, the bets have gone all-in. We are watching. But one thing is certain: they will not understand until they get a kick in the head. History does not teach them anything…”
At the same time, the information that in 2024 the total defense spending of NATO countries reached a record $1.47 trillion, the highest figure for the last 10 years, was commented on as follows: “The active pumping of weapons into Europe not only increases tensions and risks of military conflicts, but also puts the world on the threshold of World War III. It is clearly not worth expecting peace from such statistical successes of NATO.”
NATO’s Baltic bridgehead
It was again claimed that there were signs that the North Atlantic Alliance was establishing an offensive bridgehead on the territory of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. For example, information about the construction of a bridge across the Neman River in Kaunas and the planned inspection of the network of state roads throughout Lithuania was commented on as follows: “We are facing the working moments of realization of measures from the section ‘Operational Equipment of the Territory’ of the plan to prepare Lithuania for war. To be even more precise, the preparation of the Baltic bridgehead to receive NATO troops is in full swing.” Also, in response to the news of the Estonian and British military blowing up a bridge in Tallinn in order to build a new one capable of supporting heavy military equipment, it was stated: “These actions once again confirm that the Baltic members of NATO continue to diligently prepare for war with Russia. Despite the fact that the Russian Federation has repeatedly stated that it has no intentions to go to war with the Western bloc.”
NATO and the war in Ukraine
One of the common topics was the role of NATO in the Russian-Ukrainian war. It was particularly emphasized that the current situation in Ukraine was a direct result of the North Atlantic Alliance’s longstanding aggressive policy. It was this organization that allegedly provoked Russia to retaliate, as “the United States regularly breeds conflicts for its own selfish interests.” At the same time, the failures of the Russian army at the front were justified by the following: “The objective reasons for the withdrawal of the SWO [special military operation; a term used by pro-Russian propaganda in relation to the war in Ukraine – ed.] into a protracted war is that by the summer of 2022, the NATO bloc led by the United States had already joined the war, taking over the function of rear, combat control, combat support and intelligence. Ukraine was only required to fill the front with people… A proxy world war had begun.”
At the same time, for NATO’s commitment to continuing to support Ukrainians, the organization was accused of opposing peace in Ukraine and continuing to escalate the conflict and “provoke bloodshed among Slavs.”
In parallel, it was suggested that there was “direct support from the NATO bloc to Ukraine”. For example, it was claimed that British/American KC-135 refueling planes were flying in southeastern Poland not to support the Polish Air Force, but to refuel Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets, which were strengthening air defense against Russian missile attacks.
The participation of NATO servicemen in combat operations on the territory of Ukraine has also been claimed. In particular, the news that Lieutenant Colonel of the Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander in Chief of NATO’s Joint Forces in Europe K. Miller died in Belgium was commented on as follows: “The cause of death was ‘medical complications’. I wonder if he burned out at work. Belgium is so… dangerous. Especially if you are in Sumy region. Just on the day of “unexpected death” of the NATO aggressor, four FAB-1500 bombs were dropped on the base of location of foreign mercenaries and instructors.” At the same time, it was noted that “earlier, when NATO officers died in Ukraine, official agencies published information from the series ‘died while walking in the mountains of Romania’ or ‘died after a helicopter crash during drills in the United States’.”
Permission for Ukraine to use long-range missiles
The narrative about the seriousness of the consequences of the Western countries’ authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russia continued to be promoted. For example, the head of Russia’s foreign intelligence service, S. Naryshkin, was quoted as saying: “Attempts by individual NATO countries to participate in strikes deep inside Russia will not go unpunished…. Putin’s determination to firmly defend the country’s interests by all means narrows the maneuvering field for the U.S. and NATO.” At the same time, the November 20 program of ATN “Disposition” quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman M. Zakharova as saying: “The Kremlin will regard the permission for Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory as the entry of NATO member states into a direct armed conflict, and the Russian response to this decision will be inevitable and destructive for the West.”
NATO’s low level of combat readiness
The authors of propaganda media sought to show the low level of combat readiness of the North Atlantic Alliance countries. This message was conveyed through information about accidents with servicemen. For example, a car accident involving Lithuanian military equipment in Poland provoked the following reaction: “Instead of a show of force, NATO equipment again showed its ‘efficiency’ – this time in Polish fields… The Lithuanian army in a ditch is a metaphor for the whole NATO policy.” Another road accident (this time in Estonia), in which 12 Estonian army soldiers were injured, was commented by the authors of the Nevolfovich Telegram channel as follows: “NATO is already suffering losses, and Russia has not attacked…”
Support for NATO among the population of EU countries
It was reported about the lack of support of the bloc among the population of the European Union. Thus, the December 1, episode of the ATN program “Disposition” emphasized: “No one in NATO is confused that ordinary people are quite aware of the destructiveness of the experiment to turn Europe into a powder keg… Normal people in the West look at the trigger of total war not with curiosity, as their authorities do, but with fear”. At the same time, in response to the information that in Romania the pro-Russian candidate C. Georgescu won in the first round of the presidential election, the following was written: “He certainly has no chances to win in the second round, but at least this way it became clear that all ordinary people want to live without NATO…”
Consequences of joining NATO
The propaganda narrative about the negative consequences of joining NATO is also revealing. For example, it was written about Lithuania: “One of the poorest countries in the EU actually puts military spending above the social needs of its citizens. Flirtation with NATO and obligations to the alliance have turned into a burden on every resident of the country, who will pay for it through the growth of the debt burden and a possible decline in living standards.”
Also, against the background of the military parade for Latvia’s Independence Day, the following was claimed: “During this whole vanity fair, politicians and broadcasters were convincing Latvians that NATO is with them, NATO is what is needed… to destroy the independence of the state.”
The justification of Sweden’s decision to join NATO was also questioned. Thus, citing the fact that information on how to prepare for nuclear, cyber and biological attacks was being disseminated among the population of the country, it was stated: “How quickly everything in Sweden has changed since joining NATO! Just a few years ago there was a marvelous, blooming country, in full chocolate, in full security. And now two years have passed — and the citizens are scared of nuclear war. We joined NATO! We’ve succeeded! Well done!”
Материал доступен на русском языке: Обзор военной пропаганды Беларуси за ноябрь 2024 года
