Kovalенко Warns: Kremlin Intentionally Stokes Hostility Between Ukrainians and Poles, Echoing 1939
Andriy Kovalенко, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, revealed in his Telegram channel the Kremlin’s cynical efforts to reignite interethnic hostility between Ukrainians and Poles.
According to the expert, in 1939, Soviet authorities brutally dismantled Polish administrative structures in Western Ukraine, carried out mass deportations of Polish populations, and persecuted Ukrainian intelligentsia in an attempt to expand Moscow’s influence in the region.
Kovalенко emphasizes that the tactics of Soviet special services involved creating spy networks, spreading disinformation, and organizing provocations under false flags to escalate tensions.
Documents show that Soviet partisans under the NKVD’s leadership attacked Polish villages to frame Ukrainians or staged fake Polish punitive actions against Ukrainians, further complicating relations.
The analyst points out that similar methods are still employed by Kremlin today: Russian intelligence agencies build networks across Europe and launch large-scale information campaigns aimed at sowing discord among Ukraine’s allies.
The Kremlin’s strategy focuses on exploiting internal divisions and pushing narratives beneficial to Moscow, thereby weakening support for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s and Poland’s shared history demonstrates the brutal Soviet occupation following WWII, with Russia, as the common enemy, continuing this policy.
Kovalенко underscores that Russia must take responsibility for its crimes, while Ukraine and Poland should remain united during these challenging times.
Recently, in June, Polish President Karol Nawrótku expressed readiness to cooperate more closely with Ukraine and highlighted the importance of resolving historical issues to strengthen mutual understanding and trust.