A fake diplomatic identity and forged media reports tried to turn two neighboring allies against each other. The operation met an unexpected obstacle.
Czech President Petr Pavel called the disinformation operation linked to Russia a deliberate provocation. The campaign was aimed at worsening relations between the Czech Republic and Poland.
This is reported by Seznam Zprávy.
Czech and Polish security services are investigating the circumstances of the information attack. Its organizers created a fake profile of the Czech ambassador to Poland, forged the Czech Radio website, and published false materials on the hacked website of a Polish regional outlet.
According to the perpetrators’ plan, these materials were meant to convince people that Poland allegedly intended to annex part of Czech territory. The campaign may also have been aimed at inciting protests in border areas.
From everything I know, including the reaction of the Polish authorities, this is a deliberate provocation. I am very pleased that people on both sides of the border are not falling for it – not only politicians, but citizens as well.
– Petr Pavel
Petr Pavel stressed that Russia has long been trying to sow discord in Western societies. In his view, the Czech Republic and Poland must not allow anyone to destroy the relationship between the two neighboring nations.
Pavel spoke of the characteristic methods of Russian intelligence services
The Czech president noted that the investigation into the disinformation campaign has not yet been completed. At the same time, he pointed out that the methods used resemble those of Russian intelligence services, which seek to weaken partners by fueling conflict and distrust.
According to Petr Pavel, the attempt to drive a wedge between the Czech Republic and Poland did not produce the expected result, as the provocations were supported by neither politicians nor citizens in either country.