Polish-Ukrainian relations have deteriorated due to political rhetoric, historical disagreements over World War II, and the influence of Russian disinformation campaigns.
Key facts
- •In July, 52 percent of Poles opposed accepting Ukrainian refugees, compared to 42 percent in favor.
- •Between May 26 and July 13, anti-Ukrainian hate speech on Polish social media increased by 171 percent.
- •A woman was charged with attacking a 14-year-old Ukrainian girl and her 12-year-old brother in Bydgoszcz on August 14.
- •President Nawrocki revoked President Zelensky's highest Polish state decoration in June.
- •Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for de-escalation and responsible communication between Warsaw and Kyiv.
Polish-Ukrainian relations have faced significant strain following a series of political disputes and a shift in public sentiment. The tension escalated in June when Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland’s highest state decoration, a move prompted by Zelensky’s decision to grant a military unit an honorary title associated with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
By the numbers
Political Rhetoric and Policy Shifts
Polish political discourse has increasingly focused on Ukrainian presence in the country, with some politicians framing Ukrainian refugees as a strain on public services. Following his election, President Nawrocki vetoed an extension of the Ukrainian assistance law, and Poland has since begun winding down the exceptional support systems established after the 2022 invasion. Some lawmakers argue these changes are necessary to ensure equal treatment for all foreigners.
Historical Disagreements and Public Sentiment
Historical grievances regarding the UPA, which was responsible for massacres of Polish civilians during World War II, remain a major point of contention. While many Ukrainians view the UPA as independence fighters, the Polish public largely views them as perpetrators of genocide. This historical divide has contributed to a decline in public support for hosting refugees, with polling in July showing 52 percent of Poles opposed to accepting them.
Russian Disinformation and Social Tensions
Analysis by the Polish Institute of International Affairs indicates that Russian-linked networks have amplified anti-Ukrainian sentiment on social media. Between May 26 and July 13, extreme anti-Ukrainian hate speech on Polish-language social media rose by 171 percent. Meanwhile, reports of physical and verbal abuse against Ukrainians in Poland have surfaced, including a recent incident in Bydgoszcz involving two minors.
Timeline
- MayPresident Zelensky granted a military unit the title of Heroes of the UPA.
- JunePresident Nawrocki stripped President Zelensky of Poland’s highest state decoration.
- JulyPolling showed 52 percent of Poles opposed accepting Ukrainian refugees.
- August 14Two Ukrainian minors were allegedly attacked in Bydgoszcz.
- August 24Warsaw hosted an event marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Balkan Insight (BIRN).
