WARSAW: Poland has apprehended two Russian nationals for allegedly disseminating propaganda leaflets linked to the mercenary group Wagner in the country’s major cities, Warsaw and Krakow.
Mariusz Kaminski, the Interior Minister, said on Monday that arrested Russians were charged with espionage.
The Polish counter-intelligence agency, known as X, identified the detained individuals as Alexei T. and Andrei G. The agency shared that the two Russians were taken into custody after distributing approximately 300 leaflets in public areas across Krakow and Warsaw. The recovered leaflets contained links to recruitment websites associated with the Wagner mercenary group. According to the agency, the group played an important role in the Ukraine war.
Wagner Propaganda in Poland
According to the agency, the suspects were found with over 3,000 propaganda leaflets promoting the Wagner group, with the material reportedly given to them in Moscow. The investigation revealed that the individuals were set to receive compensation of up to 500,000 rubles ($5,000) for their activities. Their departure from Poland was planned for Saturday.
Media reports from last week had highlighted stickers featuring the Wagner logo and an English slogan saying “We are here. Join us.” These stickers also included a QR code directing individuals to a Russian website about the mercenary group.
Poland has expressed concerns about potential provocations by members of the Wagner group, who are currently stationed in neighboring Belarus, a Kremlin ally. In response to these concerns, Poland has announced to increase troop numbers at the border with Belarus to 10,000 soldiers.
