Support for Ukrainians in Poland has halved: what has changed since the beginning of the war

Support for Ukrainians in Poland has halved: what has changed since the beginning of the war

According to Главком: Since the beginning of the war, support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland has significantly decreased, and there have also been instances of hostility. According to surveys, support for accepting refugees has fallen from 94% to 48%. As of September 2023, there are about one million Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The employment rate among Ukrainians is 75-85%, which is higher than that of Poles.

However, despite high employment, the situation for Ukrainians is becoming increasingly difficult. Some instances of hostility confirm this trend: a man with Nazi gestures attacked a Ukrainian saleswoman, and in Poznan, two men assaulted a Ukrainian on a tram. These incidents indicate a rise in societal tension.

Changing attitudes and cultural identity

There is currently an opinion in society that 'we owe Ukrainians nothing anymore,' as noted by Piotr Buras. This indicates a change in attitude towards refugees. In addition, Ukrainians feel pressure to adapt to new conditions. Aliona noted that now, when they go out, children whisper: 'Mom, let’s speak Polish now.' This shows that Ukrainians are trying to integrate into Polish society.

At the same time, Valeria Holkina expressed her discontent:

'Now I am more Polish than Ukrainian, but I never thought someone would lecture me on how to talk to my own family.' - Valeria Holkina

These words demonstrate how important cultural identity is for Ukrainian refugees, despite their desire to integrate.

Overall, the situation regarding support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland is alarming. The decline in support and instances of hostility indicate that the need for tolerance and understanding remains relevant for both sides.

The changing attitude of Polish society towards Ukrainian refugees, marked by a decrease in support, may indicate the complexities faced by both sides. In the context of a prolonged war and economic challenges, it is crucial for society to find ways to maintain mutual understanding and support. The integration of Ukrainians into Polish society remains an important issue that requires attention from government structures and the public.