Ukraine war: Poland sees Russian cyberattack behind mobilization message
A Polish news agency twice reported a rapid partial mobilization of the armed forces for an operation in Ukraine. The government speaks of fake news.
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On Friday, astonishing news crossed the ticker of the Polish press agency PAP, which is comparable to dpa in this country. Polska Agencja Prasowa reported during an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Prague and the debates there on a further Ukraine package that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk would announce a partial military mobilization on 1 July. "Two hundred thousand Polish citizens, both former military personnel and ordinary civilians, will be called up for military service," the article said. "Everyone called up will be sent to Ukraine." The denial came immediately: Tusk spoke on X of a dangerous cyber attack. This was another "example of Russia's strategy of destabilization on the eve of the European elections", the significance of which was becoming increasingly clear.
According to international media and agency reports, PAP deleted the article a few minutes after it was published, adding that "the source of the text is not the Polish press agency". The report nevertheless appeared a second time, only to disappear again immediately afterward. The PAP said it was investigating "the circumstances of the appearance of the false story".
Traces of Russian cyberattacks elsewhere too
The Polish domestic intelligence service ABW also spoke out on X: in view of the "alleged Russian cyberattack on the Polish press agency and the publication of false information about an alleged mobilization in Poland", they reacted quickly together with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, educated the population and initiated investigations. Tusk explained back in mid-May that there had been several attempts at distraction, sabotage and arson on behalf of Russia in Poland recently. These acts had "fortunately been averted thanks to the vigilance of our services and allies". In response, the government will strengthen the work of the secret services.
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In April, unknown persons also attacked the website of the Czech state news agency CTK and published two fake reports. They stated that the Czech Secret Service had prevented an attack on the designated Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini. The investigation into the case is still ongoing. Germany recently temporarily recalled its ambassador to Russia after members of the SPD became the target of a state-backed Russian cyberattack, according to the German government.
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