Poland detains Ukrainians and Belarusians allegedly recruited by Russia for demonstrations

What happened

Ukrainska Pravda English reports that Poland has detained nine Ukrainian citizens and two Belarusian citizens accused by Polish intelligence services of recruiting and paying Ukrainians to take part in demonstrations, under instructions from Russia. The detainees are set for immediate deportation, according to a statement by Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland's Minister and Coordinator of the Special Services.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Siemoniak said that since autumn 2025, those detained have been involved in mobilising Ukrainian refugees living in Poland to attend demonstrations. The Polish Internal Security Agency's findings indicate the initiative and funding came from Russia, and Poland classifies these actions as an attempt to influence Ukrainian migrants within its borders. However, the statement does not specify which demonstrations were targeted.

This development fits within broader concerns about Russia's efforts to destabilise or exert influence on diaspora communities connected to Ukraine, particularly in neighbouring countries hosting large numbers of refugees. Poland remains a critical front line in the conflict's extended pressures, managing not only military and humanitarian challenges but also potential covert influence operations.

Known from the source

• Poland detained nine Ukrainian citizens and two Belarusian citizens.
• Polish Internal Security Agency and Border Guard Service executed the detentions.
• Poland intends to deport the detainees immediately.
• Polish authorities allege these individuals were recruited and paid by Russian-directed operatives to organise demonstrations among Ukrainian refugees in Poland since autumn 2025.
• Tomasz Siemoniak is Poland’s Minister and Coordinator of the Special Services who made the public statement.

What remains unclear

In a related context, in May 2026 Spain extradited a Ukrainian man suspected of spying for Russia to Germany, indicating ongoing multinational security efforts around Russian intelligence activities in Europe.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of the connection between the detainees and Russian instructions or funding beyond Polish intelligence claims. Confirmation of the specific demonstrations involved. Legal status and task force role behind detentions and deportations.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.