Misleading propaganda promotes a fabricated story about a drone intrusion in Poland, aligning with Russian interests
Poland found itself at the centre of an unexpected crisis on the night of September 9, 2025, as at least 19 Russian drones breached its airspace. The incident, supported by the ongoing Russian-Belarusian military exercise "Zapad 2025," sparked a series of events that have since been shrouded in controversy and disinformation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk swiftly dismissed claims that Ukraine was behind the incursion, labelling them as disinformation. However, the Polish army official stated that at least part of the drone incursion was conducted with Russian multi-purpose Gerbera drones. These drones, capable of carrying up to 10kg of explosives, can cause significant damage.
The cost of a typical air-to-air missile used to shoot down a drone is between $300,000 and $1 million, while a Gerbera drone costs around $10,000 to manufacture. The drones, which can be launched from a truck-mounted elastic or pneumatic catapult, have a maximum operative range of approximately 600 kilometers, although this can decrease depending on the load. If a drone is not meant to return, its total range can double, reaching up to 1,200 kilometers.
The incursion led to NATO fighter jets shooting down several drones, but the destruction of a house in Wyryki remains a contentious issue. Initial reports suggested that the house was hit by a drone, but local authorities later clarified it could have been debris from downed drones. Pro-Russian accounts on social media, including one with the acronym "- FRWL" (From Russia with Love), claimed that the house was damaged by a storm, not a drone. Other online users, including a far-right TikTok activist, labelled the story of the damaged house as "fake news."
As the dust settled, a disinformation campaign emerged online, peddling a pro-Russian narrative and casting doubt over the events. Claims suggesting Ukraine coordinated the drone incursion on September 10 with Poland, branding the drones as "false flag" devices, circulated widely. However, Polish authorities have consistently stated that some of the drones originated from Belarus, not Ukraine.
The Polish State Protection Service neutralised a drone operating over government buildings in Warsaw on September 15, further fuelling the speculation. Amidst the chaos, Polish far-right former MEP Janusz Korwin-Mikke argued that Gerbera drones were "most probably" launched from "Ukrainian territory."
In the midst of this information warfare, it is crucial to uphold factual accuracy. David Bacci, a senior researcher in aerodynamics from the University of Oxford, explained that Russia uses Gerbera drones because they are cheap and inexpensive to manufacture. These drones, while capable of causing significant damage, are a cost-effective alternative to traditional military hardware in the eyes of their creators.
As the investigation into the drone incursion continues, it is essential to separate fact from fiction and maintain a clear understanding of the events as they unfold. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential for disinformation in times of crisis and the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
