The demographic situation in Poland has undergone significant changes in recent years due to the arrival of a large number of Ukrainian refugees and labor migrants. After the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022, millions of Ukrainians moved to Poland, seeking safety and better living conditions. This mass migration causes mixed reactions among Poles: on the one hand, they celebrate the contribution of Ukrainians to the local economy, and on the other, they begin to express concern about the formation of closed Ukrainian communities in large cities. It is reported wyborcza.pl.
The growth of the Ukrainian presence
Ukrainians are becoming an increasingly visible part of Polish society. In Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and other large cities, entire microdistricts are being formed, which have received the unofficial name of “little Kyivs”. Shops, coffee shops, beauty salons, medical centers and other establishments aimed at a Ukrainian-speaking audience are opening there.
It is interesting that only 15% of Ukrainians in Poland are refugees, the rest are economic migrants who came for better working and living conditions. However, the compact living and cultural isolation of some communities causes anxiety among a part of the Polish population, which fears the emergence of ethnic segregation.
Reasons for the creation of “small Kyivs”
One of the main reasons for the formation of such communities is the desire of Ukrainians to support each other abroad. The common language, culture and experience of emigration make these communities a kind of “islands of stability” for those who adapt to new realities. For many displaced persons, this becomes an important emotional support, especially in the conditions of war.
However, the Polish mass media and society itself often interpret this as a threat to integration, believing that the isolation of such communities can create parallel social structures. This is compared to the phenomenon of ethnic neighborhoods in American metropolises, which have become a symbol of social division.
Political rhetoric and public sentiment
The topic of integration of Ukrainians is actively used in Polish politics. During the 2024 election, some candidates stoked fears about the “threat” of the Ukrainian diaspora, promising to limit its influence and tighten controls on migrants. Such statements found a response among some voters who fear changes in the country’s demographic balance.
Apart from politics, tensions are supported by some Polish mass media, which emphasize that Ukrainians can “choose” jobs or even influence the country’s social policy.
Social contribution of Ukrainians
At the same time, many Polish experts and public figures emphasize the significant contribution of Ukrainians to the local economy. Refugees work in enterprises, open their own businesses, pay taxes, rent and buy housing. According to economic research, the Ukrainian diaspora has become one of the driving forces behind Poland’s GDP growth in 2023-2024.
Anna Wojciechowska, a Polish economist, notes:
“Ukrainians not only adapt, but also contribute to revitalizing our labor market. They fill vacancies in industries that have long suffered from a shortage of personnel.”
However, integration takes time, and successful coexistence requires efforts from both Ukrainians and Polish society.
The formation of “small Kyivs” is not only a problem, but also an opportunity for both peoples. Joint integration programs, cultural dialogue and cooperation can become the basis for harmonious coexistence. As experts note, it is important not to create barriers, but on the contrary, to consider migrants as a resource for strengthening international ties.
The Ukrainian diaspora in Poland demonstrates that integration is possible if both sides are ready to work together. The main thing is to avoid artificially igniting conflicts and find points of contact for mutual development.
