Sikorski warns of possible new Russian provocations

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, speaking at a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Thursday, July 9, warned that Russia is planning new provocations, including cyberattacks. Sikorski stated that Poland possesses credible information about Russia's intentions, and the purpose of the public warning is to deter Moscow from carrying out these plans.

The minister declined to comment on intelligence details but emphasized that Russia has long been waging a hybrid war against Poland and France. He cited cyberattacks on state systems, attempts to gather information about critical infrastructure using "shadow fleet" vessels, as well as arson, railway sabotage, and drone attacks.

Sikorski recalled that before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow allegedly prepared false-flag provocations to create a pretext for war. At that time, U.S. intelligence warnings helped thwart those plans. "Today you must believe us – not only me but also other countries – that we have truthful information that the Russians are planning something again. The goal of these warnings is to deter them from carrying out these provocations," he said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that Paris also observes increased Russian hybrid activity. According to him, Poland and France have been at the center of Russian hybrid attacks for four years, and as Russia faces growing difficulties on the battlefield, Moscow increasingly resorts to provocations. Barrot stressed that the allies' response should be continued pressure on Russia and ongoing financial and military support for Ukraine.

Earlier, media reported that the United States allegedly warned Warsaw about a possible Russian armed provocation against Poland to "test NATO's resolve." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed concerns about a potential Russian provocation aimed at this. Additionally, Latvian intelligence previously stated that Russia is preparing possible provocations against the Baltic states or Poland, including drone attacks and other hybrid actions, to pressure NATO countries into halting support for Ukraine.