WARSAW: Poland is dealing with an unprecedented try from Russia to intervene in its presidential election, the digital affairs minister mentioned on Tuesday (Could 6), because the marketing campaign entered its remaining phases forward of the primary spherical of voting on Could 18.
Poland says its position as a hub for help to Ukraine has made it a key goal for Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation efforts, and Warsaw has been on excessive alert for interference, particularly after Romania cancelled a presidential election in December as a result of allegations of Russian meddling.
Russia has repeatedly denied accusations that it interferes in overseas elections and criticised the choice to cancel the election in Romania.
“Throughout the present presidential elections in Poland, we face an unprecedented try and intervene within the electoral course of from the Russian aspect,” Krzysztof Gawkowski instructed a defence convention.
“That is being completed … (by) spreading disinformation together with hybrid assaults on Polish important infrastructure with a view to paralyse the traditional functioning of the state,” he added.
He mentioned that assaults had focused water and sewage corporations, warmth and energy crops and state administration our bodies. The extent of Russian exercise when it comes to cyberattacks in Poland had greater than doubled in comparison with final yr, he mentioned.
“At present in Poland, throughout each minute of my speech, a dozen or so incidents focusing on important infrastructure have been recorded,” he mentioned.
The Russian embassy in Warsaw didn’t instantly reply to an emailed request for remark.
Warsaw mentioned in March that there had been a cyberattack on the Polish area company. In 2024 Poland mentioned the state information company had possible been hit by a Russian cyberattack.
Warsaw and its allies have additionally alleged that Moscow is behind acts of arson and sabotage round Europe. Russia dismisses these claims.
