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Polish social media awash with disinformation over rail sabotage: report

18.11.2025 17:20
Polish social media have seen a surge of misinformation following deliberate acts of sabotage on the Warsaw-Lublin railway line, according to a report by the European Analytical Collective Res Futura, cited by Poland's PAP news agency.
Polish security services work at a damaged section of the railway line between Dęblin and Warsaw near the Mika station, 17 November 2025. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the incident was an act of sabotage, with an explosive device damaging the tracks.
Polish security services work at a damaged section of the railway line between Dęblin and Warsaw near the Mika station, 17 November 2025. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the incident was an act of sabotage, with an explosive device damaging the tracks.Photo: PAP/Wojtek Jargiło

The report, published on Monday, found that more than half of comments (54 percent) criticised the authorities for slow reactions and poor communication, while 26 percent blamed general negligence.

Around 18 percent of posts adopted a sarcastic or dismissive tone regarding the threat.

Notably, over 15 percent of social media users speculated – without evidence – that Ukraine was responsible, while only 10 percent pointed to Russia as a potential culprit.

Experts warn that both foreign and domestic actors are actively promoting misleading narratives aimed at undermining trust in state institutions.

"One narrative frames the incident as a Ukrainian provocation, another as proof of the incompetence of Polish services – both weaken Poland," said Michał Marek of the NASK National Research Institute.

NASK analysts urged the public to rely solely on official government and security service statements.

"This is a classic example of hybrid warfare. The threat is real, but there is no reason for panic. People should stay calm and exercise common sense," Marek added.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday announced that individuals suspected of carrying out the acts of sabotage on the country’s railway network were Ukrainian nationals working on behalf of Russian intelligence services.

(ał)

Source: PAP, resfutura.pl