How the Kremlin Undermines Polish-Ukrainian Relations: A Lecture by Marharyta Sytnyk and Ihor Rozkladai at Khartia Hub

Russia is launching large-scale information operations against Poland, utilizing the tools of “cognitive warfare.” The enemy’s goal is clear: to drive a wedge between the two nations, undermine support for Ukraine within the EU, and create an illusion of insurmountable historical and social conflicts. How the Kremlin and Polish right-wing radicals have spent years working to degrade Polish-Ukrainian relations was the central theme of a lecture held at Khartia Hub.

Marharyta Sytnyk, co-founder of Holka and author of the Bridges of Ukraine project, alongside Ihor Rozkladai, Deputy Director of the Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM), provided a detailed breakdown of propaganda mechanisms and the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

“Russia operates not only through direct fakes but also through deep-seated manipulations, adapting narratives to the local Polish context. Simultaneously, Kremlin playbooks are often aided by Polish right-wing politicians who use anti-Ukrainian rhetoric to boost their own ratings. For the sake of collective security, Ukrainian and Polish institutions must collaborate to counter propaganda. Furthermore, every Ukrainian currently abroad can serve as a messenger of truth and an information ally for Ukraine,” says Marharyta Sytnyk.

Roman Kiflyuk, National Advisor for Ukraine at International Media Support (IMS), also emphasized the necessity of engaging with Polish institutions to combat disinformation.

“I have maintained steady contacts and friendships in Poland for over 25 years. Everyone I am in touch with is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and their position remains steadfast. That is why the increasing number of alarming reports from Poland recently is so concerning. It is vital to identify the causes of spreading hate speech, determine who benefits from it, and find ways to counter these threats. The lecture at Khartia was both interesting and useful. I believe a systemic approach is needed, in cooperation with our Polish colleagues and like-minded partners.”

Anatoliy Kurnosov, an expert at the Ukrainian-Polish Media Platform, highlighted the importance of such lectures for understanding how Russian propaganda exploits the political and social context in Poland.

“It was truly valuable to hear an analysis of how Russia conducts disinformation campaigns and influence operations in practice through specific cases to damage Ukrainian-Polish relations. This extensive work and its conclusions allowed me to cross-reference my own observations and recalibrate my perspective on these complex issues.”

The Bridges of Ukraine project helps Ukrainians abroad increase their capacity to counter Russian disinformation and amplify Ukraine’s voice in advocating for national interests. Holka also conducts lectures and training sessions at 33-B Yaroslaviv Val, Kyiv. You can find upcoming lecture topics on the website of the public initiative’s creative workshop, “Ministry of Magic.” If you wish to receive notifications about such events, please fill out the application form.