In a short analysis posted on social media, Stanisław Żaryn, spokesperson of the Minister-Special Services Coordinator, pointed out that in recent days, Russian propaganda has been publishing false content according to which Poland has organized provocations against Nord Stream 2 (NS2).
In the last couple of days Russian propaganda has published a lot of content alleging that Poland staged provocations against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The content in question has employed narratives in use by the Kremlin in its influence activities against Poland. 1/6
— Stanisław Żaryn (@StZaryn) April 7, 2021
Żaryn stressed that “[t]he multi-element Russian information campaign against Poland can be used as a pretext for actions to increase Russia’s military presence in the Baltic Sea region and Central and Eastern Europe.”
Additionally, articles and texts are being published on Russian portals that contain false accusations against Poland. “Articles posted to Russian websites pick up false accusations against the Poles. These include bogus claims that Poland sabotaged the construction site of the Russia-to-Germany gas link and carried out a direct attack on the pipeline,” posted Stanisław Żaryn.
Pattern no. 1
Articles posted to Russian websites pick up false accusations against the Poles. These include bogus claims that Poland sabotaged the construction site of the Russia-to-Germany gas link and carried out a direct attack on the pipeline. 2/6 pic.twitter.com/2oJLkEj3XT
— Stanisław Żaryn (@StZaryn) April 7, 2021
He noted that this propaganda material also mentions threats of a Russian response against Poland’s supposed actions. Żaryn noted that Russian media had published several materials mocking the Polish navy as well, citing quotes from individual Polish internet users. He believes that the goal of this disinformation campaign is threefold. Firstly, to “solidify false accusations made against Poland,” secondly, to “threaten Polish society with a potential response by Russia” and finally, to “weaken the morale of Polish soldiers and undermine the image of the army.”
These information warfare efforts aim to:
– solidify false accusations made against Poland
– threaten the Polish society with a potential response by Russia
– weaken the morale of the Polish soldiers and undermine the image of the army 5/6
— Stanisław Żaryn (@StZaryn) April 7, 2021
The German-Russian pipeline Nord Stream 2 has been strongly opposed by Poland, Ukraine, the Baltic states and the United States. The U.S. itself has imposed several sanctions on those involved in the project. NS2’s critics warn that the pipeline will increase Europe’s dependence on Russian gas and broaden the Kremlin’s influence on European politics. The project is supported by Germany, Austria and some other EU members.
