Poland has expelled 11 foreign nationals, including nine Ukrainians and two Belarusians, over their alleged involvement in a Russia-backed influence campaign targeting Ukrainian refugees.
Russia-Ukraine War Latest News: Poland has deported 11 foreign nationals suspected of participating in a Russia-backed influence campaign aimed at manipulating Ukrainian refugees living in the country. According to Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW), the group allegedly used Russian funding to recruit refugees for anti-Kyiv demonstrations while exploiting politically sensitive issues to undermine public trust and fuel tensions amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Why Did Poland Expel 11 People Linked to a Suspected Russia-Backed Campaign?
Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) said the nine Ukrainian and two Belarusian nationals were expelled after investigators concluded they had allegedly received Russian financial support to recruit Ukrainian refugees for protests against the Ukrainian government. Authorities described the operation as part of a broader influence campaign designed to destabilise public opinion.
Who Were the Individuals Deported by Polish Authorities?
The deported group consisted of nine Ukrainian citizens and two Belarusian citizens. According to the ABW, the individuals maintained links with Russia and Belarus and had allegedly been involved in influence activities targeting refugee communities in Poland since the autumn of 2025.
What Was the Alleged Russia-Backed Influence Campaign?
Polish security officials said the suspects sought to gradually influence Ukrainian refugees by encouraging them to participate in demonstrations against the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The campaign reportedly focused on politically sensitive topics, including corruption allegations and domestic political developments, to provoke public unrest.
Where Did the Alleged Operation Target Ukrainian Refugees?
The influence campaign was allegedly carried out across Poland, where millions of Ukrainians have sought refuge since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Polish authorities believe refugee communities were deliberately targeted to amplify political divisions and weaken support for Kyiv.
When Did Polish Security Agencies Say the Activities Began?
According to the ABW, the suspected operation has been active since autumn 2025. Investigators said the campaign evolved over several months as organisers attempted to build influence within refugee communities before authorities intervened.
How Did Poland Say Russia Tried to Influence Ukrainian Refugees?
The ABW said the alleged organisers used Russian funding, political messaging, and emotionally charged issues to recruit participants for demonstrations.
Officials described the campaign as a form of hybrid warfare, aimed at undermining public trust, creating social tensions, and exploiting people displaced by the war as tools of Russian influence rather than relying on conventional military tactics.
