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Ukrainian intelligence says Russia running “Doppelganger” disinformation campaign to sway Polish election

18.05.2025 21:00
Ukraine’s military intelligence service (HUR) said on Sunday that Russian spy agencies have intensified a long-running online operation dubbed “Doppelganger” to spread fake news across the EU and NATO, with Poland a prime target ahead of its presidential vote.
Two Russian soldiers walk in front of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 15 May 2025.
Two Russian soldiers walk in front of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 15 May 2025. EPA/YURI KOCHETKOV

In a statement on Telegram, HUR described Doppelganger as “one of the largest and longest Russian disinformation campaigns”.

The agency said Kremlin-linked operators create look-alike websites and social-media profiles that copy the design and branding of mainstream Western outlets, then publish fabricated stories to undermine support for Ukraine and erode trust in EU institutions.

According to HUR, recent posts aimed at Polish voters criticized Warsaw’s military aid to Kyiv, urged Poland’s withdrawal from the EU and portrayed Ukraine as “the main factor of chaos in Polish politics”.

The campaign relies heavily on bot farms and fake X accounts impersonating ordinary citizens, it added.

Polish officials did not immediately comment on the allegation. The government in Warsaw has previously accused Moscow of hybrid warfare, citing sabotage plots, cyber-attacks and attempts to inflame public sentiment over migrants and the cost of backing Ukraine.

Western security agencies have repeatedly warned that Russia uses covert online networks to influence elections and public debate. Earlier this month the EU sanctioned two Russian media outlets and four senior editors for what it called systematic propaganda supporting Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Poland’s presidential ballot is the country’s first national election since Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-EU coalition took power in December. Opinion polls show a tight race between centrist frontrunner Rafał Trzaskowski and conservative challenger Karol Nawrocki.

(jh)

Source: Polskie Radio 24, RMF24