Poland's defense minister criticized the president for his ties to a pro-Russian blogger

Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to appoint blogger Paweł Świnarski—known for spreading pro-Russian narratives—to the New Media Council has drawn sharp criticism within the government. 

This was reported by RMF24, citing Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The head of the Defense Ministry called this move a dangerous blow to state policy, noting that the president’s desire for media popularity had taken precedence over his responsibility for national security.

Blogger Paweł Świński, author of the YouTube channel “Za Pieniądze,” had previously come under the scrutiny of Polish intelligence agencies due to disinformation. In particular, during the incident involving Russian drones in September 2025, he promoted the narrative of a “Ukrainian provocation” allegedly aimed at dragging Poland into the war. Government spokesperson Adam Szlapka emphasized that the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the National Cyber Security Agency (NASK) had repeatedly warned about this author’s toxic content.

This scandal is heightening tensions in Polish politics, as Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński also pointed out Nawrocki’s recent support for Viktor Orbán’s pro-Russian stance. 

Polish President Karol Nawrocki posted a video on social media accusing the ruling party of having pursued a policy of concessions to Russia in the past.

The Polish president reactedto the defeat of Orbán, whom he had supported.