Attacks on Ukrainians rise 30% in Poland amid political backlash

Hate crimes and physical assaults targeting Ukrainians in Poland have climbed sharply alongside mounting anti-Ukrainian political rhetoric, Politico reported.

Polish police registered 180 ethnically motivated crimes against Ukrainians in the first half of 2026—a 30% rise year-on-year. Over 80% of hate crime cases forwarded to prosecutors between February and June involved Ukrainian victims. Polling agency CBOS reports that positive perceptions of Ukrainians among Poles sank from 51% in 2023 to 29% in January 2026, driven by disputes over the Volhynia massacre and opposition to refugee welfare benefits.

The issue has become a central campaign pillar ahead of Poland's 2027 parliamentary election. Right-wing figures are calling to roll back support for Kyiv, with Law and Justice (PiS) prime ministerial contender Przemyslaw Czarnek arguing that military aid should be suspended until Ukraine reconciles its historical policies.