ANTYUKRAINIAN PROTESTS IN POLAND: POLISH NATIONALISM OR RUSSIAN PROPAGAND?

Abstract

In the article analyzes the problem of anti-Ukrainian propaganda as a means of information warfare in Russia. We are analyzed the mechanisms of Russian influence on the Polish society and the main themes used for manipulation. The main anti-Ukrainian slogans and positions of the radical Polish forces, the manifestations of a discriminatory attitude towards Ukrainians are  highlighted. The activities of groups and pages in Facebook, which unite the radically opposed Ukrainians Poles, are explored. Among them are Ukrainiec nie jest moim bratem, Polski Lwów, Lwów Zawsze Polski, Pamiętam Wołyń, Sprawa Kresowa – Sprawa Narodowa. Thanks to the work of the Ukrainian activists Cyberhounds and the Ukrainian Kierralians (UCA), evidence was obtained of Russia’s involvement in the organization of anti-Ukrainian protests. As a result of their analysis it can be concluded that the citizen of Belarus, Alexander Usovsky, a dedicated lover of the Russian world, was actively engaged in the organization of anti-Ukrainian actions in Poland and other countries of Eastern Europe. Examples of impact tools are also provided. The RF uses a very wide range of levers – from rigid ones such as hidden military threats or economic and energy blackmail to soft ones, such as a network of Russian and pro-Russian agents, as well as hybrid ones, such as influence through the spread of misinformation through the media and social networks. Since the problem of anti-Ukrainian protests is part of the Russian information warfare, it poses a great threat to the statehood of Ukraine. We believe that the best counteraction to the dissemination of negative information on the topic of Ukrainians would be the creation of positive messages and the dissemination of true information about the mood of the Polish society. It is necessary to conduct active communication work and to reveal the mechanisms of influence of the pro-Russian forces on the Polish (and not only Polish) society and to publicize the results of the research. It also requires a more detailed analysis of the problem of falsification of historical facts, and the truth facts found during the investigation – more spread through various channels of communication.