Russian prankster leaves Polish president speechless

A RUSSIAN prankster posing as the UN secretary-general managed to get through to Poland’s re-elected president on the telephone.

Vladimir Kuznetsov left Andrzej Duda speechless following questions about Ukraine, Russia and the outcome of Sunday’s election.

The prankster, known as Vovan, posted a recording of the 11-minute call on Youtube and Mr Duda’s office confirmed yesterday that it is authentic. At various points in the conversation, conducted in

English, Mr Duda sounds surprised at the line of questioning but still refers to the fake Antonio Guterres as “Your Excellency”.

The conversation was held on Monday afternoon while Mr Duda was awaiting official confirmation of his re-election. State security is investigating how the prankster got through to the president, and whether Russia’s secret services were involved.

Poland’s relations with Russia are tense, especially over Poland’s support for Ukraine’s drive for closer links with the EU.