Investigation: Anti-Ukrainian sentiments are strengthening in Poland

Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is on the rise in Poland, according to a new report titled "We Are Not at Home: Ukrainian Migrants and Refugees on Relations with Poles." The study, based on in-depth interviews conducted by researchers from the University of Warsaw, indicates that most Ukrainian migrants and refugees perceive a deterioration in Polish-Ukrainian relations over recent years.

The report, published Tuesday, surveyed 25 Ukrainian individuals of various ages, genders, family statuses, professions, and migration plans. The group included 14 refugees who arrived after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and 11 migrants who had settled in Poland before the war. Researchers Olena Babakova and Przemyslaw Sadura from the Polish Institute of Culture (IKP) at the University of Warsaw noted that "almost all survey participants spoke about the growth of anti-Ukrainian sentiments," even those who had lived in Poland for over a decade or held Polish citizenship.

Many respondents identified the 2025 Polish presidential election campaign as a turning point, observing that anti-Ukrainian attitudes became more pronounced during the race. The election was won by right-wing candidate Karol Nawrocki, who has adopted a more critical stance toward Ukraine compared to his predecessor, Andrzej Duda. The report highlights that Ukrainians face hostility not only online but also in everyday situations, including workplaces, schools, and public spaces like transport. Simply speaking Ukrainian or with a Ukrainian accent can provoke aggression, with bystanders often not intervening. Consequently, many Ukrainians reported avoiding speaking their native language publicly or consciously trying to speak Polish without a noticeable accent to minimize negative encounters.

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Almost all survey participants spoke about the growth of anti-Ukrainian sentiments, even those who have lived in Poland for more than a decade or have Polish citizenship.