Rising Hostility Towards Ukrainians

As the Polish presidential campaign unfolded, Ukrainians in Poland, whether refugees or long-term residents, observed a troubling increase in political hostility directed at them. The election of the conservative Mr. Nawrocki has amplified these concerns.

Halyna Mouliar, a 58-year-old Ukrainian living in Poland, followed the campaign with growing apprehension, noting the increasingly right-leaning stances of the candidates and their potential impact on Ukrainian refugees.

A Shift in Sentiment

Ms. Mouliar arrived in Poland shortly before the russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She vividly recalls the immense solidarity shown by the Polish people when a train carrying evacuees from her hometown of Mykolaiv arrived, including her daughter.However, the atmosphere has changed significantly since then.

So much has changed. I am worried about everything that has been said during the campaign, Ms.Mouliar said.

Mr. nawrocki, throughout his campaign, questioned the rights of Ukrainians in Poland. He argued that social benefits shoudl primarily serve Polish citizens, suggesting they should have priority in healthcare access.

Presidential Rhetoric and its Impact

Criticism of Kyiv

Mr. Nawrocki also criticized Kyiv, alleging a lack of gratitude for what the Poles did. He accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of insolence towards Poland, echoing arguments frequently used by the Polish far-right.

His opponent, the pro-European Rafal Trzaskowski, cautioned against succumbing too Russian speeches regarding Ukraine.however, even Mr. Trzaskowski proposed reducing certain benefits for refugees under pressure from the far-right.

Ms. Mouliar notes that Ukrainians are facing longer bureaucratic processes to legalize their stay. It started with papers, with much longer waiting times, she said.

She also avoids social media due to the prevalence of anti-Ukrainian content and reports experiencing xenophobic remarks in stores.

Concerns Among Ukrainians in Warsaw

Other Ukrainians in Warsaw share similar concerns. Olena Babakova, an observer of Polono-ukrainian relations, highlights a concerning trend: For the first time, it has become strictly directed against the Ukrainians.

She notes that even the European Pro-Union camp has engaged in this rhetoric, which removed her hope. Ms. Babakova believes Ukrainian workers in the service sector, notably women, will be disproportionately affected.

Olga Klymenko, a refugee working in a hotel, fled the Russian occupation in 2022, escaping from Izyum before seeking asylum in Poland. It hurts and worries me. It is indeed challenging to know what the future has in store for us, she said.

like many Ukrainians, she is anxious about her status in Poland. My house is destroyed. If there is pressure from Poland, I have nowhere to go, Ms. Klymenko added.

She also fears that Mr. Nawrocki’s victory will strengthen the far-right’s chances in the 2027 legislative elections. If there are laws and the president’s program is not favorable to Ukrainians, I do not know what we will do, she said.

Divergent Experiences

Online vs. Reality

Despite the concerns, some Ukrainians report a disconnect between online rhetoric and their daily experiences. Poland’s aging population and growing economy rely heavily on the Ukrainian workforce.

Yulia Melnyk, who has lived and worked in Poland for seven years, believes the anti-Ukrainian sentiment is aroused from above and that it is practical for politicians to use this kind of subjects.

She has observed a lot of hatred online but has not personally experienced it. Serhiy, a cook who has lived in Warsaw for six years, hopes the rhetoric will be confined to the election period and awaits Mr. Nawrocki’s actions as president.I hope he will focus less on populism and more on real problems,the 28-year-old said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many Ukrainian refugees are currently in Poland?

A: Approximately one million Ukrainian refugees are residing in Poland.

Q: What are the main concerns of Ukrainian refugees in Poland?

A: Their main concerns include potential changes to their legal status, access to social benefits, and rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

Q: What was Karol Nawrocki’s stance on Ukrainian refugees during his campaign?

A: He questioned their rights and suggested that social benefits should prioritize Polish citizens.

Q: Has anti-Ukrainian sentiment increased in Poland?

A: Many Ukrainians report an increase in anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, particularly online and during the election campaign.

Q: What sectors of the Ukrainian population are most vulnerable?

A: Ukrainian workers in the service sector, especially women, are considered particularly vulnerable.

Q: Is there a disconnect between online sentiment and real-life experiences?

A: some Ukrainians report that while they see hatred online, they have not personally experienced it in their daily lives.