PolandOwnership & classification
Founded: 1995
Ownership
Wirtualna Polska is a major Polish web portal and news service operated within a capital group headed by Wirtualna Polska Holding SA (publicly listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange). It was founded in 1995 by Marek Borzestowski and Leszek Bogdanowicz. Today the controlling shareholders are the company's longtime managers and co-founders Jacek Swiderski (CEO), Michal Branski and Krzysztof Sierota, who bought out the private-equity firm Innova Capital after Innova's 2014 acquisition (via Grupa o2) of the portal from Orange Polska.
Funding
Financed commercially through online advertising, e-commerce and travel/services verticals, and content subscriptions, as a profit-making listed media and internet group.
Affiliation & stance
Wirtualna Polska is privately and commercially owned with no party, church or state shareholder; it is run as a for-profit listed business by its founder-managers. Its general news service is broadly centrist. Because control rests with private commercial owners rather than a party or the state, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 262
81/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
367
Articles
367
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Poll: Poles divided over the presence of Karol Nawrocki at Donald Trump's birthday party
Another problem for Zebra?
In the White House, a Russian artist was shot and killed, mocking Putin and Kadyrov.
The U.S. deal with Iran.
Fire at a Ukrainian restaurant, prosecutors are investigating.
Was the shooting of the Russian artist a contract killing?
Death of a Polish woman in Ecuador.
Dear Donald. Putin sends birthday wishes to Trump
A tragic accident in Bielsko-Biała, a speedster crashed into the airport's record.
Recent coverage
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
IMGW warnings are in effect for most of the country.
The article reports on weather warnings issued by the Polish General Inspectorate for Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW). It outlines areas across Poland where heatwaves and thunderstorms are expected, with different levels of alerts. The highest level (third degree) warnings cover regions including Greater Poland, Pomerania, Lower Silesia, Opole, Silesia, Lesser Poland (excluding Tatra Mountains district), Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Łódź, Holy Cross, Subcarpathian, Lublin, Masovian, Warmian-Masurian (southwestern districts), Podlaskie (excluding Suvalki, Sejne, Augustów districts), and others. These areas are forecasted to experience high temperatures ranging from 35 to 39°C. Second-degree warnings are in place in other regions, predicting temperatures between 30 to 33°C. Thunderstorm warnings, also at second degree, are issued for several regions, with forecasts of heavy rainfall, strong winds up to 90 km/h, and occasional hail. Some areas may face dangerous conditions until late evening.
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to temporarily halt attacks in the Persian Gulf and resume negotiations over the dispute regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The deal was confirmed by an American official, raising hopes for a temporary ceasefire. According to the official, technical discussions will continue on all points of the 14-point understanding agreement reached on June 17, which outlines the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for free shipping and the continuation of diplomatic dialogue. American media report that the next round of negotiations is expected to take place on Monday in Qatar, according to Reuters. The latest escalation began after an Iranian missile struck a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Following the incident, Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the temporary ceasefire agreed upon on June 17. On Sunday morning, Iran launched missiles and drones against US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain shortly after President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it did not respect the agreement to stop hostilities. The US military announced new strikes against Iranian targets several hours后
I've never been there.
The article discusses an ongoing scandal involving irregularities at Warsaw's Southern Hospital (Szpital Południowy). According to reports from Zero.pl, Dr. Dawid Kacprzyk, who was the head of the Surgical Outpatient Clinic (SOR) at the hospital and a member of the Civic Coalition (KO), allegedly earned 1.6 million złoty during his specialization in anesthesiology last year. It is claimed that politicians from KO received priority care at the hospital without waiting in line. The opposition has demanded accountability for these actions. In response, the PiS parliamentary club displayed photos of KO politicians they claim used the hospital's services. Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domański denied ever visiting the hospital and accused PiS of spreading false information as part of a hate campaign against him. He stated he is considering legal action. Other figures, including MP Katarzyna Piekarska and Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, have also denied using the hospital's services. Investigations by prosecutors and the National Medical Chamber are underway, while audits of the hospital and other municipal hospitals are being conducted. President Rafał Trzaskowski, a
Hundreds of passengers evacuated
A fire broke out in one of the passenger carriages of a train at Debica railway station in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, forcing the evacuation of approximately 250 passengers. One person was lightly injured during the incident, according to local firefighters. The fire occurred in the 11th carriage of the 'Kasztelan' train traveling between Hrubieszów City and Kraków Main Station. Emergency services arrived at 7:47 PM on Monday and managed to extinguish the fire. The injured individual received medical attention but it is unclear if they were hospitalized. Train traffic in both directions has been temporarily suspended, and efforts are underway to restore limited shuttle service. The cause of the fire is under investigation by a special commission. PKP Intercity issued a statement confirming the fire had been put out but warned of possible disruptions to train operations. Passengers were taken care of by the train crew and moved to a climate-controlled building at the station while waiting for alternative bus transportation.
Karol Nawrocki closed the case.
The article discusses the controversy surrounding President Karol Nawrocki's decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2023. The Polish Chancellor, Donald Tusk, stated that this decision 'ends the matter which has disturbed public peace for three weeks,' but questions remain about what specific issue was resolved—whether it relates to national dignity or historical matters. The article highlights concerns that revoking the award could have diplomatic, economic, military, and moral implications. It notes that Zelensky had accepted the honor 'on behalf of his nation' during the ceremony, and Ukraine's society might feel that Poland has stripped the country's people and army of their honor. Ukrainian officials, including Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, argue that the decision undermines historical truth, emphasizing that today's Ukrainian soldiers are defending freedom. Meanwhile, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jacek Chmielnicki criticizes the move as a strategic error benefiting Russia. The article also critiques Poland's approach to historical accountability, suggesting that while Poland avoids self-criticism, it imposes 'shy
Three neighbors, three records.
The article reports on record-breaking heatwaves across Central Europe during the weekend of June 28-29, 2026. In the Czech Republic, temperatures reached 41.9°C in Doksany, surpassing the previous day’s record of 40.9°C. This marks the first time a temperature of 41°C was recorded in the official Czech meteorological network. Germany also experienced extreme heat, with Coschen near the Polish border hitting 41.7°C, continuing a streak of three consecutive days with new all-time high temperatures. In Germany, nighttime temperatures remained unusually high, with Kubschütz recording a minimum of 29.4°C, breaking the previous record set in 2003. The article cites data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMU) and the German Weather Service (DWD).
Zelensky will not be in Gdansk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not attend the Conference on Ukraine's Reconstruction in Gdansk, with Ukrainian Prime Minister Julia Swyrdenko leading the delegation instead. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on this decision during a V4 summit. The conference aims to discuss rebuilding efforts in Ukraine following the ongoing conflict. Tusk's remarks suggest he may have expressed views on why Zelenskyy was not attending, though specific comments are not detailed in the provided text. This absence could signal strategic decisions by the Ukrainian leadership regarding international engagement.
The shock of the office manager's interview, the request for the prosecutor's office to enter.
A former director of the Southern Hospital in Poland gave an interview to Kanal Zero in which he accused hospital authorities of causing the deaths of patients. The interview sparked widespread reactions, with some calling for immediate intervention by prosecutors, while others criticized the whistleblower himself.
He's talking about the deaths of patients.
Dr Emil Jędrzejewski, a former head of the Southern Hospital in Poland, made strong accusations against the head of the hospital's emergency room during an interview with Krzysztof Stanowski on Kanal Zero. He claimed that patients are dying because someone is learning, suggesting that inadequate training or negligence is contributing to deaths in the hospital. The comments have sparked controversy and debate about medical standards and patient safety in Polish hospitals.
Two sixes in the lotto.
In Saturday's Lotto draw on June 20, 2026, two players correctly selected all six winning numbers—2, 8, 35, 38, 41, and 45—and each won approximately 2.3 million Polish zlotys. The draw also resulted in 54 winners who matched five out of six numbers, with each receiving around 6,227 zlotys. A 10% tax applies to prizes over 2,280 zlotys. The next main prize for Lotto will be 2 million zlotys during the upcoming draw on Tuesday at 10 p.m. In the concurrent Lotto Plus draw, the numbers were 1, 19, 24, 41, 47, and 48, but no player matched all six. Thirty-six players matched five numbers and received 3,500 zlotys each. Lotto tickets cost 3 zlotys, while Lotto Plus adds an extra 1 zloty for participation in the additional draw, offering guaranteed fixed prizes without cumulative jackpots.
Andrei Duda has bought a Porsche 911
Former President Andrzej Duda has been reported to have purchased a Porsche 911, according to journalists Mariusz Gierszewski from Radio ZET and Dominika Długosz from Newsweek, who are authors of the 'In Connection with the Investigation' podcast. The Porsche 911 is described as a sports car, with new models ranging in price from 700,000 to 1.5 million Polish zlotys, while used models range from approximately 150,000 to over 1 million zlotys. The report comes from an investigative podcast and does not include direct confirmation from Duda himself or any official source. The information is presented as a revelation by the journalists, but no further details about the purchase, such as the exact cost or timing, are provided.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
