Ukrainian embassy in Poland classifies vandalism in Warsaw as element of Russian hybrid war

The Ukrainian diplomatic mission in the Republic of Poland regards the appearance of the inscription "Slava UPA" on historical monuments in Warsaw as a deliberate act aimed at destabilising relations between the two countries. According to the embassy, this is a clear example of Russia waging a hybrid war, the aim of which is to undermine mutual trust between Ukrainian and Polish societies.

Statement on security threat

Ukrainian representatives outlined this position in a public statement that appeared on the Facebook social network on 14 November. The diplomats firmly condemned the acts of vandalism, in particular the desecration of the monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto. The document emphasises the importance of investigating these incidents by Polish law enforcement agencies and holding the perpetrators legally accountable.

The embassy highlighted the systematic nature of such actions:

«Цей протиправний акт є проявом гібридної війни, яку росія намагається всіма способами реалізовувати в державах Європи, насамперед, у Польщі. Ціль очевидна – посіяти ворожнечу між українцями та поляками, підірвати взаємну довіру й послабити підтримку України» (This unlawful act is a manifestation of the hybrid war that Russia is trying to implement by all means in European states, above all in Poland. The goal is obvious – to sow enmity between Ukrainians and Poles, undermine mutual trust and weaken support for Ukraine), the statement reads.

Warning to citizens

In addition to the official condemnation, the diplomats addressed a call to Ukrainians residing in Poland. They are advised not to agree to offers of "easy money", which may involve applying graffiti, damaging someone else's property, or carrying out other illegal tasks.

The embassy also reminded citizens of the need to be cautious when communicating with strangers on social networks and messengers. Citizens are recommended not to share personal data with them or carry out suspicious instructions. If someone attempts to incite unlawful acts or threatens, all evidence of correspondence should be preserved and the Polish police should be contacted.