Incident at the Polish Border
Ukrainian singer Olya Polyakova has publicly criticized the conduct of Polish border guards during a recent crossing. In a video posted to Threads, she described a thorough and aggressive search of her personal belongings. The incident was reported by the Ukrainian publication 'Glavcom'. This comes amid ongoing discussions about the treatment of Ukrainian citizens at EU borders since the Russian invasion.
The incident occurred as Polyakova was traveling to London. She stated that Polish border officials rummaged through her suitcase, handling her personal items.
"I want to complain, I am furious. I never want to travel through Poland again. Poles treat us so badly. And they treat foreigners very differently. Last night they turned my entire suitcase upside down. They were looking for something, digging around, they were also poking through my personal things and speaking rudely,"the singer remarked.
Reactions from Ukrainians
Polyakova's account has resonated with many Ukrainians, who shared similar grievances about the behavior of Polish customs officers. Commenters noted this is not an isolated case.
"I completely agree! Every time you encounter a female officer at the border – it's a nightmare… At the airport, they took half of our expensive branded cosmetics from our bags, even though it complied with all the regulations!"wrote one commenter.
Other users added that customs officers often display a clear lack of goodwill toward Ukrainians.
- "It's a fact, customs officers simply hate Ukrainians and do everything to humiliate us at the border," noted another commentator.
- Some Ukrainians confirmed they have personally faced similar situations during border crossings, where the attitude toward them was hostile and aggressive.
This is not the first time Ukrainians have expressed dissatisfaction with the work of Polish customs officials.
"They have always treated us this way, but lately it's been even worse; it feels like we are enemy number one,"added one user. The situation highlights persistent issues in the interactions between Ukrainians and Polish border personnel that require attention and resolution.
The incident involving Olya Polyakova reflects a broader, long-standing problem concerning the treatment of Ukrainians by Polish customs officials. On social media, Ukrainians are actively discussing their negative experiences, pointing to systemic issues at the border. This could potentially affect Poland's image among Ukrainian citizens, a sensitive topic given Poland's significant support for Ukraine during the ongoing war.
The situation at the Polish border raises further questions about the treatment of Ukrainians in Poland, especially considering that over two million Ukrainians currently reside there. This demographic shift has significant implications for both communities, as highlighted in a recent report on the unprecedented impact of Ukrainian citizens in Poland. To explore how this influx is influencing local dynamics and the economy, read more about the ongoing effects of Ukrainian migration in Poland.