Former Polish deputy minister shown aiding Russian troops

Krzysztof Tołwiński, a former deputy treasury minister in a PiS government, released video from Belarus on July 13, 2026, saying he provided first-aid kits to Russian soldiers engaged in fighting in Ukraine. He described the kits as medical aid; the footage shows him handing supplies to uniformed personnel.

Tołwiński footage in Belarus

The former official said the assistance was humanitarian in intent. The recording and his statement intersect with Poland's role as a NATO member and prominent backer of Ukraine, creating a political flashpoint given the identity of the recipients.

The disclosure raises immediate questions about motive, logistics and legal exposure for a former government official. Domestic political rivals and European partners are likely to press for clarity on whether the act involved coordination with any state actor or private group.

Policymakers and investigators will weigh reputational and legal consequences; the tape also delivers a propaganda advantage to actors seeking to blur lines between aid and support for combatants. The episode highlights how individual actions can escalate diplomatic friction even without direct state endorsement.

Look for formal statements from Polish authorities or party organs and any investigatory steps by July 17, 2026.