Poland became the main target of propaganda attacks in September. Minsk actively discussed the temporary closure of the border, calling it “Warsaw’s hostile actions,” and also recalled 1939 – the Poles were accused of “ethnocide” of Belarusians. Against the background of these discussions, the cult of personality was strengthening in the country.
Trump became a disappointment again, Ukraine continues to be pressured with “peace initiatives.” More details in the iSANS propaganda review for September.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Poland
- In September, Poland was under attack from Lukashenka’s aggressive propaganda. This was triggered by several high-profile events that took place in September.
- September 17 marked National Unity Day, an ideological holiday with a clear anti-Polish slant. Propagandists’ statements were tinged with resentment and accusations that the Poles were committing “ethnocide” against Belarusians. Propaganda also traditionally uses official holidays to strengthen the personal cult of the “chief” and new threats to the West.
- On September 10, Poland was attacked by Russian drones. Propaganda denied Russia’s responsibility, sought a “Ukrainian trace,” and claimed that “drone hysteria is only needed by the Poles themselves.”
- Tensions between the two countries reached their peak at the start of the Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 joint drills. Poland temporarily closed its borders, which provoked an extremely nervous reaction from propagandists.
Belarus’s democratic forces
- The visit in September by U.S. Special Envoy John Coale and the subsequent release of two groups of political prisoners at Trump’s request in exchange for lifting sanctions from Belavia were interpreted by pro-government channels as a victory: “The hegemon bows down to Lukashenka.”
- Trump called Belarusian political prisoners “hostages.” This did not sit well with the leading BelTA news agency, which distorted the U.S. president’s speech in its translations.
War in Ukraine
- Disappointment is growing in Minsk over Trump’s change in rhetoric regarding the conflict as the U.S. leader’s dissatisfaction with Russia’s actions grows. Nevertheless, officials and pro-government channels are trying to soften Trump’s rhetoric and even flatter him.
- Lukashenka’s “peaceful” initiative: in September, after consulting with Putin, the Belarusian dictator suggested to Volodymyr Zelenskyy that they “talk” and offered him favorable terms from the Russian dictator. The president of Ukraine predictably refused to meet with Lukashenka. Propagandists commented on Zelenskyy’s refusal with undisguised anger.
- Propaganda, led by Lukashenka, continues to put pressure on Ukraine, intimidating its population with the “disappearance of Ukraine” if it does not agree to Putin’s terms.
Parliamentary elections in Moldova
- The pro-government media in Belarus reported on the victory of the pro-European party in the parliamentary elections in Moldova as if it were their own defeat. As expected, they declared the elections to be rigged.
You can read or download the whole monitoring of propaganda in Belarus for September 2025 at this link.
Материал доступен на русском языке: Польша в центре антизападной пропаганды. Изменения беларусских пропагандистских нарративов в сентябре 2025 года
