After Wrocław Assault, Poland's PM Tusk Demands End to Anti-Ukrainian Violence

According to ХВИЛЯ: Poland, a country that has hosted millions of Ukrainian refugees since Russia's 2022 invasion, is grappling with a surge in hate crimes. In a Sunday attack in Wrocław, three Polish assailants beat a Ukrainian man and his girlfriend. Two suspects were arrested on Monday.

Call for an End to Xenophobic Attacks

Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded by urging an immediate halt to xenophobic violence. He declared that

“anyone committing such despicable acts is acting directly against Poland's interests”

and added that these actions

“work against Poland, in favor of Russia, and in favor of Polish and Ukrainian nationalism.”

Rising Violence and Official Reaction

This incident is not isolated. Police data show 180 hate crime reports against Ukrainians in the first half of 2026, a 30% increase from the previous year. Other notable cases include: an attack on a 60-year-old Pole in Poznań who defended a Ukrainian boy; a 54-year-old man in Bielsko-Biała who insulted two Ukrainian girls; and a 26-year-old woman in Legnica accused of assaulting two 13-year-old Ukrainians.

In a separate development, Polish President Karol Nawrocki in June revoked the highest Polish state honor from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sparking further debate. Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, condemned the violence as unacceptable and stressed the need to protect the rights and safety of Ukrainians in Poland.

Polish authorities continue efforts to address hate crimes, but the rising numbers concern the public and international observers. The recent incidents underscore a growing xenophobia that could strain bilateral relations. Firm measures are needed to ensure safety for all, regardless of background. Protecting Ukrainian rights remains crucial for the future of Poland-Ukraine ties.

The recent attack in Wrocław highlights a troubling trend of violence against Ukrainians in Poland. This incident follows another brutal assault where a 19-year-old Ukrainian was targeted simply for speaking his native language. Such events raise serious concerns about the safety of the Ukrainian community in Poland and the need for comprehensive measures to combat xenophobia. For more details on this alarming situation, see the full report on the brutal attack on a Ukrainian teen.