In a stark reversal, Poland’s attitude towards Ukrainian refugees has drastically shifted over the past three years. What was once a welcoming haven for those fleeing the conflict with Russia has now become increasingly hostile. According to recent reports, a growing number of Poles are calling for the refugees to return to Ukraine, with some even telling them to “go back to Ukraine.”
When the conflict escalated in 2022, Poland opened its doors to over a million refugees from Ukraine, providing a safe haven. However, the initial warmth has worn off, and social tensions have been rising. Some Polish citizens now view Ukrainian immigrants as a burden, perceiving them as freeloaders or potential criminals. The situation is further complicated by the fact that at least 2.5 million Ukrainians reside in Poland, making up nearly 7% of the country’s population.
Oksana Pestrykova, a refugee support coordinator in Warsaw, notes that the atmosphere has changed significantly over the past three years. Ukrainians are now hesitant to speak their native language in public or on public transport, fearing backlash. “People are saying that children at school and people in line for an appointment with a doctor are telling them to go home to Ukraine,” she revealed. Another Ukrainian resident shared a similar experience with the BBC, stating that anti-Ukrainian sentiment has surged in recent months, with reports of abuse on public transport, school bullying, and xenophobic content online. The resident expressed fear, saying, “At work, many people have been saying Ukrainians come here and behave badly. And my Ukrainian friends say they want to go home because Polish people don’t accept us. It’s frightening to live here now.”
The divisive presidential election campaign in Poland has further heightened tensions, with candidates expressing varying degrees of support for Ukrainian refugees. Far-right politician Slawomir Mentzen has taken a strongly anti-Ukrainian stance, while conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki opposes Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO, as well as financial aid for refugees. Leading candidate Rafal Trzaskowski is seen as the most pro-Ukrainian contender, although he has also pledged to cut social benefits for Ukrainian nationals.
A recent poll by the CBOS Center revealed that support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland has declined sharply, with only 50% of Poles in favor of accepting them – a significant drop from the 81% recorded two years earlier. Despite allocating 4.2% of its GDP to support the refugees, Poland’s stance on the issue remains uncertain. As the country heads into its presidential election, one thing is clear: the fate of the Ukrainian refugees in Poland hangs in the balance, and their future remains uncertain.
