Poland is facing a growing wave of pro-Russian propaganda spreading through encrypted Telegram channels, raising alarm among government officials and cybersecurity experts. As tensions continue to rise over the war in Ukraine and NATO’s Eastern flank remains on high alert, disinformation campaigns are increasingly targeting Polish citizens in an attempt to sow division and undermine public trust.

According to Polish intelligence sources and digital watchdog groups, the propaganda ranges from anti-Ukrainian narratives and NATO skepticism to conspiracy theories blaming the West for global instability. Telegram, a messaging platform popular for its anonymity and resistance to censorship, has become a fertile ground for these messages to proliferate, often disguised as grassroots commentary or local news.

Experts say the content is designed to exploit existing societal tensions, such as economic frustrations, refugee concerns, and distrust in political institutions. Posts often include manipulated images, fake headlines, and emotionally charged language aimed at stirring anger and confusion. Some channels even impersonate legitimate Polish media outlets to boost credibility.

The Polish government has acknowledged the problem and is working closely with cybersecurity agencies to monitor and curb the spread of false information. In a recent statement, Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs warned citizens to be vigilant, urging them to verify sources and report suspicious content. “We are facing an information war,” the ministry declared. “It is crucial that citizens do not fall victim to foreign manipulation.”

The spread of Russian propaganda in Poland is not new, but the growing reliance on encrypted apps like Telegram has made it harder to track and dismantle these networks. Unlike public platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, Telegram’s private channels and group chats make it more difficult for authorities to intervene without violating privacy rights.

Poland, one of Ukraine’s strongest allies and a key NATO member, has become a prime target for Russian information warfare. The aim appears to be weakening public support for Ukraine, fracturing NATO unity, and destabilizing democratic institutions. Analysts warn that as elections approach and geopolitical tensions rise, these efforts may intensify.

To counter the threat, civil society groups, journalists, and educators are ramping up digital literacy campaigns to help citizens recognize and resist disinformation. While the Polish public remains largely supportive of Ukraine, officials caution that unchecked propaganda poses a long-term risk to national security and democratic stability.