Poles are increasingly critical of Ukrainian refugees: study results

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has become one of the main countries that accepted Ukrainian refugees. Millions of Ukrainians found temporary shelter there, received humanitarian aid, access to the labor market and social services. At the initial stage, Polish society showed unprecedented solidarity: volunteers met displaced people at train stations, opened their homes to them, and the government implemented support at the level of legislation.
However, over time, the attitude towards Ukrainian refugees began to change. Research of the University of Warsaw, conducted by Dr. Robert Staniszewski, demonstrates a tendency towards a worsening of the perception of Ukrainians in Poland. Despite the fact that the general level of tolerance remains quite high, public sentiment has become noticeably more critical over the past two years.
Why are Poles increasingly critical of Ukrainians?
According to the results of the research, several key aspects can be singled out among the main factors of attitude change.
First, there is a growing feeling that Ukrainian refugees are becoming too demanding. There is a widespread opinion in Polish society that some Ukrainians consider aid to be a proper phenomenon and even make claims. Some Poles perceive the argument that “Ukraine is also fighting for the security of Poland” as an unjustified justification for excessive expectations.
Secondly, cultural differences between peoples are becoming more noticeable. Poland and Ukraine have many historical and social features in common, but there are also significant differences in traditions, family relations, principles of interaction between men and women. The researcher notes that these differences began to cause certain misunderstandings in everyday life.
Influence of media and political processes
Information policy plays a special role in changing public attitudes. Polish mass media widely cover the topic of Ukrainian refugees, but increasingly often present information in a critical context. Political disputes between Warsaw and Kyiv are also reflected in the media space.
The researcher draws attention to the fact that television channels, especially TVN, have the main influence on the perception of Ukrainians in Poland. Previously, the media discourse was more positive, but after 2023 the emphasis changed, and criticism of Ukrainian refugees became more visible.
In addition, historical issues, in particular the topic of the Volyn tragedy and the exhumation of the remains of the dead, have once again become a source of political tension between the countries. It also affects the general tone of discussions in Polish society.
How to change the situation
Dr. Stanishevsky suggests several ways to improve relations between Ukrainians and Poles.
First, it is important to adjust the information policy of the Polish media in the direction of a more neutral and balanced coverage of the Ukrainian issue. One-sided presentation of information can form a distorted perception and increase tension.
Secondly, it is necessary to promote better integration of Ukrainians into Polish society, increasing the level of mutual understanding between peoples. This can include cultural projects, educational initiatives and dialogue between communities.
Thirdly, reducing the level of demands on the part of Ukrainian refugees could reduce the level of irritation among the local population. It is important that the assistance provided by the Polish state is perceived as a gesture of goodwill and not as an obligation.
In general, although the attitude towards Ukrainians in Poland is undergoing certain changes, the situation is not critical. Deterioration of public sentiment is a natural reaction to protracted crises, but the right information policy, open dialogue and mutual respect can contribute to overcoming these challenges.