WARSAW, June 20, 2025
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called out an Italian newspaper’s claims as Russian disinformation, sparking concerns over the portrayal of Poland’s stance on Ukrainian territory.
The controversy centers on an article from the Italian newspaper Libero, which suggested Poland has territorial claims on parts of Western Ukraine, specifically near Lviv.
- Poland’s Foreign Ministry refuted Libero’s claims as Russian misinformation.
- The Italian newspaper suggested Warsaw had designs on Western Ukraine.
- The issue of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is a recurring theme in Russian propaganda.
Is Poland laying claim to Ukrainian territory? According to the Polish Foreign Ministry, the answer is a resounding no, denouncing the statements made in an Italian publication as a deliberate effort to spread misinformation.
The Italian Article’s Allegations
The article in Libero, published on June 19, caught the attention of the Polish Foreign Ministry with its assertions. It claimed that Warsaw has “always claimed part of Western Ukraine, especially the outskirts of Lviv.”
Official Response
The Polish Foreign Ministry promptly responded to the Italian newspaper’s claims. “We indicated that such a statement is an element of Russian misinformation,” stated the speaker of the Polish Foreign Ministry, Pavel Vronsky.
Recurring Theme of Territorial Disputes
The notion of dividing Ukraine has been a consistent element in Russian propaganda and statements from pro-Russian political figures. This isn’t the first time such ideas have surfaced, raising alarms about potential geopolitical strategies.
Historical Context and Recent Incidents
In early 2025, Kostadin Kostadinov, the leader of the Prossei Bulgarian Party “Renaissance,” called for Bulgaria to annex “Southern Bessarabia,” further highlighting the sensitive nature of territorial claims in the region.
