Anti-Ukrainian sentiment has been rising in Poland, with many refugees avoiding speaking their native language in public due to fear of facing abuse. According to a report by Le Monde, this shift in attitude has been particularly noticeable since the presidential election in May, which was won by nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki. Poland has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022, accepting over a million refugees from the neighboring state.
However, the French paper notes that the welcoming atmosphere has begun to change. Ukrainian journalist Zoriana Varenia recently shared her experience of being pushed and insulted while speaking on the phone in her native language in central Warsaw. Another incident involved a man on a bus telling her and a friend that “in Poland, we speak Polish!” Miroslava Kerik, the president of the Ukrainian House in Warsaw, stated that such incidents are no longer marginal, with children being regularly bullied at school and many Ukrainians avoiding speaking their language in public.
The report suggests that resentment towards Ukrainians is being fueled by claims that they abuse the family benefits system, have privileged access to public services, and contribute to an increase in crime. Additionally, some Poles believe that Ukraine wants to “drag” Warsaw into the conflict. A study by the Res Futura analytics center found that many comments on Polish social media blame Ukraine rather than Russia for a recent drone incursion into the country.
The Polish government has also taken steps that may be contributing to the growing tensions. In August, President Nawrocki vetoed legislation that would have prolonged benefits for Ukrainian refugees, citing his opposition to “privileged treatment” of foreign citizens. Earlier this month, the Polish parliament adopted a bill aimed at stripping jobless Ukrainian refugees of their payouts. These developments have significant implications for the relationship between Poland and Ukraine, as well as the welfare of the many Ukrainian refugees living in Poland.
