ISTANBUL

The Polish digital affairs minister said Tuesday that Russia is attempting to interfere in the presidential elections on May 18, according to the PAP news agency.

“During the current presidential elections in Poland, we are facing an unprecedented attempt at interference by Russia,” Krzysztof Gawkowski said at the opening of the Defence24 Days conference.

Gawkowski noted that Polan has faced continuous attack by Russia through disinformation and hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure, highlighting that Russian military intelligence “doubled” its activity in Poland compared to last year.

“In 2024, more than 600,000 incidents were reported, of which over 100,000 were acted upon by Polish services ... this is an increase of 60% year-on-year,” he said, deeming the attacks as aimed at disrupting the everyday life of Poles.

Gawkowski also claimed that Russia sees Poland as a “target” rather than just an “object of interest.”

"Let’s call things by their name -- responding to such well-paid assignments amounts to treason, espionage and anyone who thinks they can make easy money this way, while also exerting influence over the state and weakening Poland’s shield, will face the consequences provided for in the penal code,” he added.