DISINFO: The Polish government plans to annex part of Ukraine
SUMMARY
Poland considers part of Ukraine to be its territory. [...] Nothing is surprising about the fact that Poland increases its involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. Warsaw thus begins to realise its long-standing dream of the "Polonisation" of Western Ukraine.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, attempting to justify the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the claim about Polish alleged intentions to occupy Ukrainian territories has become a frequent disinformation narrative in pro-Kremlin media.
This message has adopted several different and sometimes contradictory forms, including allegations that Poland wants either to create a puppet proxy-state in Western Ukraine or the annexation of these territories or, as the present case demonstrates, that it is actually President Zelenskyy who wants to cede this land.
Poland adheres to international law regarding state borders and fully supports the independence and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries. Poland, as well as the EU and the US respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Ukraine's sovereignty has been violated as a result of continuous acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces since 2014, culminating with a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine starting on 24 February 2022.
Read earlier disinformation cases alleging that Zelenskyy discussed transferring Western Ukraine to Poland, that Poland plans to swallow Ukraine, or that Poland can use its troops to claim the right to Western Ukraine.