Ukraine’s intelligence warns of Russian disinformation campaign ahead of Polish elections

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has issued a warning about a renewed Russian disinformation offensive under a long-running operation called “Doppelganger”, launched as Poland approaches its presidential elections.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Kremlin has reactivated this large-scale information warfare campaign, which specifically targets European and NATO societies. The core tactic of Operation Doppelganger involves creating fake websites and social media pages that closely mimic the design and tone of legitimate Western media outlets. These platforms then spread false or distorted information under the guise of real news.

The agency said since March 2025, the campaign has intensified in Poland. Russian intelligence agencies have reportedly been flooding social media — particularly platform X — with fake and manipulative content, using bot farms and artificial accounts that pose as Polish citizens.

According to Ukraine, the main objectives of the campaign include:

- Undermining public support for Ukraine

- Promoting anti-EU sentiment

- Discrediting the current Polish government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk

- Framing Ukraine as a destabilizing force in Polish politics

Ukraine’s defense intelligence warns that these efforts are not isolated, but part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy by the Kremlin aimed at eroding trust, spreading division, and weakening the internal cohesion of EU and NATO member states.

Officials urge the public and media to remain vigilant, verify information sources, and support efforts to counteract digital manipulation ahead of Poland’s elections.