A report published by The Telegraph on July 3, citing sources close to Polish President Karol Nawrocki, says the United States has warned Warsaw that Russia is preparing an armed "provocation" on Polish soil to test NATO's resolve and pressure Western allies into suspending aid to Ukraine. The story was picked up within hours by outlets across Europe and North America.

The provocation could see Putin's troops cross over into Poland , and vital infrastructure could be targeted by missiles and drones.

Vladimir Putin could use an attack on Nato as a bargaining chip for the war in Ukraine, sources told Polish media