**Poland Bracing for Presidential Elections Amid Growing Tensions with Russia**
As Poland prepares to hold its presidential elections on May 18, the country is facing a unique set of challenges. With debates over social policy, migration, and national security dominating the agenda, Poland’s voters are set to choose their next leader in what promises to be a closely contested election.
But amidst these domestic concerns, there is another pressing issue that has caught the attention of Polish authorities: Russia’s growing interference in the country’s affairs. According to Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski, Moscow is waging an “unprecedented” campaign of disinformation and cyberattacks on Poland’s critical infrastructure.
**Russia Steps Up Its Game**
This comes as no surprise given the deteriorating relations between Poland and Russia over the past few years. With Poland emerging as one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Moscow has been looking for ways to counter this pro-Western stance.
In recent days, Russia has launched a series of drone attacks on Ukrainian territory, including an attack on Odesa Oblast that killed one person and caused significant damage. These incidents have only served to heighten tensions between the two nations.
**Poland’s Election: A Test for Western Values?**
The upcoming presidential election in Poland is seen as a key test of the country’s commitment to Western values and its relationship with Russia. With candidates across the political spectrum vying for the top spot, some have already expressed views or associations perceived as pro-Russian.
While this is not the first time that Moscow has interfered in Polish elections, the scale and intensity of these efforts are unprecedented. According to Gawkowski, Russian cyber threats against Poland’s critical infrastructure have more than doubled compared to 2024, with multiple incidents recorded every minute during his speech at a defense conference.
**What Does This Mean for Ukraine?**
For Ukraine, this development is particularly concerning. With its own presidential election scheduled for later this year, the country can ill afford to see Poland’s electoral process compromised by Russian interference.
Poland has long been one of Ukraine’s closest allies, providing vital military, humanitarian, and economic assistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Any weakening of this partnership would be deeply felt by Kyiv, which is counting on its friends in the West to help it counter Russian aggression.
**The Stakes Are High**
In short, the upcoming presidential election in Poland is a crucial test for the country’s commitment to Western values and its relationship with Russia. As tensions between Moscow and Warsaw continue to escalate, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have significant implications for both countries – as well as Ukraine.
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