Russian propaganda Telegram channels claim that due to changes in Portuguese legislation, Portugal will expel 60,000 Ukrainian refugees. They also allege that 5,000 Belarusians who have political asylum will supposedly be forced to return home. “It seems that European hospitality evaporated exactly at the moment when it had to be paid for,” such posts comment sarcastically.

This fake has been debunked by fact-checkers at StopFake.

However, this story is a fake. In reality, Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has launched a review of residence permits (mainly affecting foreign students) in order to comply with European Commission regulations. This process does not lead to automatic deportations; on the contrary, it allows students to switch to alternative legal statuses and remain in the country to continue their studies even after temporary protection ends.

The figure of 60,000 refers to the total number of Ukrainian refugees currently residing in Portugal. The country is not planning mass expulsions, but rather aims to regularize the legal status of migrants after the expiration of the temporary protection period. At present, this protection for Ukrainians in Portugal – like in other EU countries – has been extended until March 2027.

The Portuguese government has indeed amended its legislation, extending temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2027. This status guarantees the right to reside, work, access healthcare, and receive education, as stated in the original legislation. However, new applications for temporary protection from Ukrainians are no longer being accepted: to enter the country, individuals must now obtain a visa in advance at a Portuguese consulate, as is required for citizens of other countries planning to relocate.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression, the Kremlin has continuously fabricated falsehoods about the status of Ukrainian refugees abroad. Yet none of these grim predictions about “mass deportations” or the “sudden cancellation of assistance” have come true.

Russian propagandists are actively spreading a false claim that Poland has allegedly accused Ukraine of carrying out sabotage on the Warsaw-Lublin railway line. This disinformation narrative is aimed at discrediting Ukraine and escalating tensions in the strategically important partnership between Poland and Ukraine. The manipulation was debunked by fact-checkers at StopFake.

In reality, Poland’s leadership has clearly stated that Russia – not Ukraine – was behind the attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fully agreed with the Polish assessment and emphasized that “all the facts point to a Russian trace”. He also initiated the creation of a joint Polish-Ukrainian working group to more effectively counter Russian sabotage operations.

The use of citizens of third countries, including Ukraine, to carry out acts of sabotage in Europe is a standard practice of the hybrid warfare waged by the Kremlin. Disinformation claiming that Poland accused Ukraine is an outright lie aimed at sowing discord between allies. Both countries have clearly identified Russia as the sole organizer and beneficiary of this terrorist act.