Russia’s digital panopticon:

Amina and migrant surveillance

This study uses a mixed method that combines quantitative and qualitative elements of content analysis to reveal the impact of Russian disinformation on the Polish-language media landscape and the weaponization of the Polish language against Ukrainians. The collected examples are evidence of hate speech disseminated by the aforementioned Telegram channels. The quantitative approach allows for the collection and analysis of data on the frequency of hate speech in the analyzed channels. In turn, qualitative analysis allows for a more detailed identification of content that poses the greatest threat to the image of Ukrainians in Poland and to bilateral communication.

The data was collected by reviewing content on the following Telegram channels:

Firstly, we noticed numerous linguistic errors and Russicisms in the analyzed posts. This indicates that their content was most likely created by people whose native language is Russian, not Polish. We also noticed the duplication of information from Russian-language channels on Telegram, the so-called Z segment, closely associated with PMC Wagner. Furthermore, such conclusions were also drawn on the basis of characteristic features identified in numerous studies, such as those by OKO.press and Investigače.

Russian propaganda often uses manipulative vocabulary and hate speech to influence public opinion and shape negative attitudes towards Ukrainians. Posts deliberately use phrases such as “Banderite” or “meat grinder” to evoke aggressive emotions and dehumanize the other side. Such language divides people into “us” and “them” groups, which is an effective strategy for increasing tension and distrust between nations. The division of people into such groups is rooted at the neurobiological level.

In the context of Polish-Ukrainian relations, such rhetoric emphasizes historical conflicts, creating the impression that Ukrainian culture poses a threat to Polish culture. The issue of protecting national identity and preserving cultural traditions is one of the main points on which Russian propaganda focuses, as it triggers a powerful psychological defense mechanism of “one's own group.”

Texts focusing on the alleged “Ukrainization” of Poland encourage a negative attitude towards Ukrainian migrants, who are perceived as a threat to stability and security. This creates an atmosphere of suspicion towards Ukrainians working in Poland and developing the service sector (restaurants, beauty salons, hotels). Such rhetoric negates the potential socio-economic benefits of immigration, instead creating an image of a threat to national culture. This is beneficial for fueling interethnic tensions and creates conditions conducive to hybrid warfare. This strategy contributes to the destabilization of the political situation, distracts attention from other domestic issues, and weakens the country's ability to effectively counter external threats. Such actions allow Russia to exploit the weaknesses of societies to expand its influence and reduce the support of its allies.