Poland is grappling with renewed threats from Russian influence, as recent investigations reveal troubling patterns of espionage and sabotage orchestrated from across its eastern border. A report from broadcaster TVN has uncovered chilling details about how Russian intelligence services paid individuals inside Poland to engage in subversive activities including graffiti vandalism targeting the former ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party and its president, Andrzej Duda.
The revelations come exactly three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to TVN, thousands of politically charged slogans — some vulgar, such as "Jebać PiS" (“Fuck PiS”) and "Duda do dupy" (“Duda sucks”) — were painted across various Polish cities. These actions were not the work of trained operatives but hired recruits, primarily immigrants and refugees from neighboring countries, who were recruited through the messaging service Telegram and compensated small amounts via cryptocurrency.
Reportedly, individuals were paid as little as $7 for each graffiti job and around $5 for distributing anti-war leaflets. Some were even tasked with more serious initiatives like installing surveillance cameras near strategic locations and observing military transports. “We have no doubt this leads back to Russia,” stated Piotr Łopatyński from the National Prosecutor’s Office, reaffirming the direct involvement of Russian operatives.
The strategy to utilize non-trained locals as pawns showcases the adaptability of Russian operatives amid increasing scrutiny and tension. Participants were expected to demonstrate their completion of assignments with photographic proof, which raises questions about the breadth of Russian tactical employment within Poland.
This behavior has drawn ire from many Polish politicians, especially those from the now-opposition PiS party. Stanisław Żaryn, who advised the previous government, expressed outrage over these revelations, arguing it was unacceptable for Russian intelligence to finance personal attacks on the Polish presidency. He noted: “This vulgar message…was and is a very important part of the political activities of the circles of the current government.”
Indeed, some of the slogans had gained traction during mass demonstrations against the PiS government, particularly after the government imposed severe restrictions on abortion rights, leading to public unrest. Former deputy foreign minister Paweł Jabłoński has pointed out instances of current ruling coalition members referencing the inflammatory slogan, indicating its political ramifications beyond mere vandalism.
Fortunately, Poland has ramped up its security measures to counter these Russian tactics. After dismantling the criminal network responsible for various sabotage acts, including the installation of surveillance cameras adjacent to key infrastructures, authorities have prioritized national security. More stringent laws are now enacted, making the dissemination of disinformation punishable by up to eight years and acts of sabotage receiving sentences of ten years or more.
Recent court cases reflect this heightened vigilance: A Ukrainian man was sentenced to eight years for plotting arson attacks, and two Russians received five-and-a-half years for distributing recruitment posters for the Wagner Group within Poland.
Meanwhile, the specter of Russian economic influence looms large as new stores associated with Russian oligarchs have begun to open. The Tak-Tu discount chain, backed by Viktor Lipin and linked to the sanctioned oligarch Sergei Schneider, has ignited fresh alarm bells concerning the reestablishment of Russian commercial interests within Poland’s retail sector. The Ministry of Development and Technology has initiated investigations, emphasizing the urgency of curbing these adverse influences as the impact of Russian sanctions continues to ripple through the region.
Schneider, facing sanctions for actions beneficial to the Russian state, attempted to launch the Mere discount chain before the war, which failed. Now, the emergence of Tak-Tu raises fears of the re-introduction of Russian encroachment on Polish businesses, reflecting broader international concerns about preserving economic sovereignty against adversarial non-State actors.
The Polish public and government are rightly wary as these events push questions of national security to the forefront. Observers note the complexity of countering these activities, which blend economic and subversive elements fueled by hostile foreign state interference. Reports of recent sabotage efforts and Russian-organized political campaigns not only highlight Russia's strategic persistence but urge Poland to remain vigilant.
Reflecting on recent developments, spokesperson for the national prosecutor’s office, Przemysław Nowak, indicated Poland is currently grappling with 27 espionage cases, most of which remain undisclosed. “We are facing a foreign state conducting hostile action on Polish territory,” he affirmed, reinforcing the need for steadfast monitoring.
With every incident, the stakes for both Polish security and public political discourse have been raised, emphasizing the continuing relevance of dialogues about safeguarding state integrity from international threats. The situation remains dynamic, compelling Polish authorities to refine their approach against espionage and maintain stringent measures against disinformation and sabotage.