Changing Attitudes Toward Ukrainians in Poland

Recent events in Poland illustrate a significant shift in attitudes toward Ukrainians as tensions rise. This article explores the changing landscape of sentiments, from initial warmth following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the growing hostility faced by Ukrainians in Poland.

A Disturbing Incident

Valeriia Kholkina was enjoying a day out with her husband and four-year-old daughter when they encountered an unsettling situation. After overhearing them conversing in Ukrainian, a stranger admonished them to teach their daughter Polish before physically assaulting both parents. This incident, which took place in Szczecin, highlights the increasingly hostile environment for Ukrainians, a stark contrast to the support they received in 2022 during the height of the refugee crisis.

Initial Support Diminishes

During the initial months following Russia’s invasion, Poles extended their hospitality to Ukrainians, with countless individuals volunteering to help refugees. However, as the conflict enters its fourth year, the initial display of solidarity has begun to fade. Recent surveys reveal a notable decline in positive perceptions of Ukrainians, reflecting a broader political climate that has shifted towards more conservative views on migration and reignited historical resentments.

The Reality of Refugees

As of September, nearly one million Ukrainian refugees reside in Poland, according to UNHCR statistics. However, Valeriia is among those who had settled in Poland long before the conflict, calling it her home for over a decade. Despite feeling Polish, she was taken aback by the unsolicited advice on how to communicate with her family. Following the incident, she reported experiencing panic attacks, and she now discourages her daughter from speaking Ukrainian in public.

Growing Tensions

The atmosphere for Ukrainians has shifted dramatically, with many now facing public abuse for speaking their language. Aliona, a 39-year-old entrepreneur, noted a change in her children’s behavior, as they now prefer to speak Polish when out in public, a stark difference from the past when they would speak freely.

Survey Insights

While it’s difficult to measure the true extent of verbal and physical attacks on Ukrainians, trending surveys indicate a significant change in societal attitudes. Support for accepting Ukrainian refugees has dropped from 94% shortly after the invasion to 48% currently. Another poll indicated a decline in Polish support for Ukraine’s EU membership, falling from 85% to 35% since 2022.

Political Factors

The shift in sentiment has been fueled by disinformation online and the election of rightwing populist Karol Nawrocki as president. His administration’s policies often portray Ukrainians as ungrateful and overly reliant on social benefits, contradicting economic data that shows their contributions to the Polish economy.

Broader Trends Across Europe

Similar anti-Ukrainian sentiments have emerged in other European nations. For instance, the German chancellor has raised concerns about the influx of young Ukrainian men, advocating for their service in Ukraine rather than migration to Germany. In Poland, Nawrocki vetoed a proposal to extend financial support for refugees, proposing instead a system tying benefits to employment status.

Online Sentiment and Historical Context

Oleksandr Pestrykov from the Ukrainian House in Warsaw pointed out the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment online since 2023. Negative comments have flooded Polish media coverage related to Ukraine, indicating that this online negativity is now spilling into real-world interactions. The historical complexity of Polish-Ukrainian relations also plays a significant role, with historical grievances still deeply felt in many communities.

Incidents Increasingly Spill Into Reality

A flashpoint occurred when footage surfaced of individuals displaying a controversial Ukrainian nationalist flag at a concert, spurring conflict and leading to the deportation of numerous individuals, predominantly Ukrainians. The current political climate has increasingly merged anti-Ukrainian rhetoric with broader discourse on migration.

Resilience and Optimism Amid Hostility

Despite the challenges, not all Ukrainians in Poland are experiencing negativity. A late 2022 survey showed that 58% of Ukrainians anticipated their children would remain in Poland for many years. In larger cities, many report positive experiences. Anastasiia Zhelezniak, a child psychologist who moved to Warsaw, shared her successful adaptation and the support she received from her children’s schools.

However, Zhelezniak also noted the increasing trend of her Ukrainian friends leaving Poland, acknowledging the altered atmosphere and rising living costs. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful about establishing a future for her family in Poland, recognizing the opportunities that await them.

Conclusion

The evolving sentiments toward Ukrainians in Poland highlight a complex interplay of historical context, political movements, and societal attitudes. As the war extends into its fourth year, it remains essential to foster understanding and compassion rather than division.

Key Takeaways

• The initial support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland has significantly diminished since 2022.
• Hostility toward Ukrainians has increased, reflected in both verbal and physical attacks.
• Political discourse has shifted, with rising sentiments framing Ukrainians in a negative light.
• Despite challenges, some Ukrainians in Poland are finding success and support, highlighting resilience in adversity.