Latest news with #KrzysztofGawkowski
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Poland detects foreign-funded election ads amid fears of Russian interference
Poland's National Research Institute (NASK) has detected an alleged attempt to influence the upcoming presidential election through political advertisements on Facebook, the agency said in a May 14 statement. The disclosure follows a warning from Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski, who on May 6 said Moscow was carrying out an "unprecedented" interference campaign. According to NASK, the political ads appear to be funded from abroad and were not linked to any registered election committee. Over the past week, the accounts behind these ads reportedly outspent all official campaign teams, targeting candidates across the political spectrum. "The actions were ostensibly to support one candidate and discredit others... The analysis indicates a possible provocation," NASK said. Investigations into the origin and financing of the ads are ongoing. The discovery adds to mounting concerns that Russia is executing a broad interference campaign in Poland's May 18 election, echoing similar efforts seen in Romania's 2024 vote. The election pits a range of candidates against each other, including Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, Poland 2050 leader Szymon Holownia, ruling Law and Justice party-backed Karol Nawrocki, and far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen. Some contenders have been criticized for remarks or positions seen as aligning with Moscow's interests. Mentzen has ties to nationalist circles known for opposing Poland's pro-Western trajectory. Poland has been a frontline supporter of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, providing Kyiv with military equipment, economic aid, and logistical support. Its firm pro-Ukrainian stance has made it a consistent target of Russian cyberattacks, propaganda, and sabotage operations. Read also: Exclusive: Ukraine eyes new sanctions on China, but Kyiv wary of peace talks fallout We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Japan Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Poland says Russia is trying to interfere in presidential election
Poland is facing an unprecedented attempt by Russia to interfere in its presidential election, the digital affairs minister said on Tuesday, as the first round of voting looms on May 18. Poland says its role as a hub for aid to Ukraine has made it a target for Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation, and it has been on high alert for interference, especially after Romania canceled a presidential election in December due to alleged Russian meddling. "During the current presidential elections in Poland, we are facing an unprecedented attempt to interfere in the electoral process from the Russian side," Krzysztof Gawkowski told a defense conference. "This is being done ... (by) spreading disinformation in combination with hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure in order to paralyze the normal functioning of the state." Russia has repeatedly denied accusations that it interferes in foreign elections. Gawkowski said that Polish water and sewage companies, heat and power plants and state administration bodies had all been attacked, and that Russian involvement in such attacks had more than doubled this year. "Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen or so incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded," he said. The Russian embassy in Warsaw declined to comment on the matter and recommended asking Gawkowski to "provide evidence for his insinuation." Prime Minister Donald Tusk blamed foreign actors for a cyberattack on the IT systems of his Civic Platform party in April. Since last year, Poland has notably reported cyberattacks on its space agency and the state news agency. Warsaw and its allies have also alleged that Moscow is behind acts of arson and sabotage around Europe. Russia dismisses these allegations.
India Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Poland claims Russian meddling in its presidential polls ahead of May 18 voting
Poland is facing an unprecedented attempt by Russia to interfere in its presidential election, the digital affairs minister said on Tuesday, as the first round of voting looms on May 18. Poland says its role as a hub for aid to Ukraine has made it a target for Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation, and it has been on high alert for interference, especially after Romania cancelled a presidential election in December due to alleged Russian meddling. "During the current presidential elections in Poland, we are facing an unprecedented attempt to interfere in the electoral process from the Russian side," Krzysztof Gawkowski told a defence conference. "This is being done (by) spreading disinformation in combination with hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure in order to paralyse the normal functioning of the state," Gawkowski said. Russia has repeatedly denied accusations that it interferes in foreign elections. Gawkowski said that Polish water and sewage companies, heat and power plants and state administration bodies had all been attacked, and that Russian involvement in such attacks had more than doubled this year. "Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen or so incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded," he said. The Russian embassy in Warsaw declined to comment on the matter and recommended asking Gawkowski to "provide evidence for his insinuation". Prime Minister Donald Tusk blamed foreign actors for a cyberattack on the IT systems of his Civic Platform party in April. Since last year, Poland has notably reported cyberattacks on its space agency and the state news agency. Warsaw and its allies have also alleged that Moscow is behind acts of arson and sabotage around Europe. Russia dismisses these allegations.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Poland says Russia attempting to interfere in presidential election
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Krzysztof Gawkowski, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Affairs, has stated that the country is facing an unprecedented attempt by Russia to interfere in its presidential election. Source: Reuters; European Pravda Details: Polish authorities state that the country's role as a logistics hub for aid to Ukraine has made it a key target for Russian cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. "During the current presidential elections in Poland, we are facing an unprecedented attempt to interfere in the electoral process from the Russian side," Gawkowski said at a defence conference. He explained that this is happening by "spreading disinformation in combination with hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure in order to paralyse the normal functioning of the state". The attacks have reportedly targeted water systems, combined heat and power plants, energy facilities and state administrative bodies. The level of Russian cyber threats in Poland has more than doubled compared to last year. "Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen or so incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded," the minister added. Background: The Polish government previously stated that it was working to strengthen online security and is in talks with social media platforms in anticipation of intensified cyberattacks ahead of the presidential election. On 2 April, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that his Civic Platform party had suffered a cyberattack of foreign origin. At the time, Gawkowski claimed that the attack on Tusk's party had been carried out by groups from Russia and Belarus. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Poland faces 'unprecedented' Russian interference ahead of presidential election, minister says
Russia is attempting an "unprecedented" interference campaign in Poland's presidential election, Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said on May 6, Reuters reported. Poland will hold presidential elections on May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1, as the country faces key debates over social policy, migration, and national security that could shape its political trajectory. Speaking at a defense conference, Gawkowski said Russia is spreading disinformation and launching hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure to paralyze normal state functions. He said the attacks target water utilities, combined heat and power plants, power supply facilities, and public administration. The Russian cyber threat level in Poland has more than doubled compared to 2024. "Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen such incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded," Gawkowski said. Poland has emerged as one of Ukraine's staunchest allies since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying military, humanitarian, and economic assistance. Moscow has also interfered in Romania's 2024 presidential election through cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and funding for far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. The Polish election features candidates across the political spectrum, including Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and Poland 2050 leader Szymon Holownia. Some candidates have expressed views or associations perceived as pro-Russian. Far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen, while not explicitly pro-Russian, has ties to nationalist circles skeptical of Poland's pro-Western stance. Karol Nawrocki, backed by the ruling Law and Justice party, has faced criticism for statements perceived as sympathetic to Russia. Read also: Polish right takes hard line on Ukraine ahead of presidential vote We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
