Russia's influence tactics stir controversy in Belarus and Poland

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said his country will not send troops to fight in Ukraine and warned that Belarusian soldiers could become “cannon fodder” if they were used at Russia’s request. The remarks highlight perceived differences between the Belarusian leadership’s public stance and the expectations of its pro‑Russian population.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski warned the Sejm that Russia is conducting a “cognitive war” against Poland and claimed a Russian‑backed “fifth column” operates within the country. The analysis argues that while Russian information operations exist, the notion of a large, coordinated fifth column is exaggerated and driven more by domestic political considerations than by concrete evidence.