Poland reports Russian disinformation campaign amid major floods

Russia is carrying out an information and psychological operation in Poland, exploiting the flood in the country's southwest to stir fear and helplessness among the population.

The Poland Cyber Security Department reported on Twitter (X) that the floods in the southwest of the country have triggered an information and psychological operation by Russia, aimed at provoking "emotions of fear and helplessness" among the population.

"The influence apparatus is using selective information techniques in cyberspace, seeking to instil fear and helplessness in the recipients. One element of the operation is an attempt to undermine trust in the country's security structures," they stated in Poland.

The Poland Cyber Security Department urged citizens not to succumb to emotions and to verify sources of information. 

"In particular, be wary of content designed to provoke strong emotional reactions through images of suffering and destruction," they emphasised.

Central and Eastern Europe is suffering from floods that have already claimed the lives of at least 23 people. The severe weather has also reached northern Italy.

It was previously reported that over 23,000 soldiers have been deployed to assist in flood relief efforts in Poland, with an additional 3,000 on standby.

For the first time, the Polish government declared a state of natural disaster in the southwestern regions.