Warsaw, May 14 2025 — Ukrainian refugees living in Poland have reported growing instances of verbal abuse, discrimination, and hostility as public sentiment shifts amid economic strain and war fatigue. Many refugees report hearing comments like: “Go back to Ukraine” being told in public spaces, workplaces, and even by landlords — in stark contrast with what many experienced when fleeing their war-ravaged homes over two years ago.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has taken in more than 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees – one of the highest refugee numbers ever in Europe. At first, Polish citizens opened up their homes, schools and clinics for these eastern neighbors; but as time wears on and economic conditions tighten further tensions seem to be growing.
“I was shocked when someone told me to stop speaking Ukrainian and return home,” recounted Iryna B, 34 years old from Kharkiv and currently living as a refugee in Warsaw. “This place used to feel safe. Now it feels unsafe.”
Human rights and refugee support organizations report an upsurge in complaints related to xenophobic behavior and employment discrimination. Warsaw-based NGO Refugee Aid Now reports cases of harassment targeting Ukrainian women and children have tripled since 2024 started.
“These incidents are no longer isolated incidents,” explained Marek Kozlowski, coordinator with the group. “We are witnessing an increasing shift from compassion towards resentment in areas with increasing unemployment or scarce housing availability.
Polish officials have acknowledged concerns raised by refugees but insist their government remains committed to supporting those fleeing conflict. According to Joanna Mikulska, Poland stands by Ukraine and its people; however, “integration is a two-way process and local communities may feel pressure; our response must include dialogue rather than division.”
Some local media outlets have highlighted stories of refugee fraud or welfare misuse, sparking widespread public outrage. Experts caution that even unsubstantiated stories can increase tensions and foster animus against innocent families.
As opposed to this trend, many Poles continue to demonstrate solidarity by volunteering through churches and grassroots groups who offer food, education, shelter, and support to displaced Ukrainians. Unfortunately, as national elections approach some politicians are capitalizing on anti-refugee sentiment by demanding stricter benefits and faster repatriation plans for these migrants.
“I understand people are tired,” stated Dmytro K., a refugee and volunteer in Lublin. “However, the war isn’t over yet – we didn’t choose to leave our homes, so all we want is peace until it’s safe for us to return.”
Now that the conflict shows no signs of abating, Poland – and other host countries – face a challenge to find an equilibrium between compassion and sustainability, while preventing public frustration from turning into discrimination.