Context:

Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is reportedly on the rise in Poland, where around 2.5 million Ukrainians reside, constituting nearly 7% of the population. Svitlana, a Ukrainian immigrant, describes how her daughter has been subjected to xenophobic bullying at school, reflecting a broader trend of abuse against Ukrainians in public spaces and online. This tension is exacerbated by Poland's polarizing presidential election, with candidates expressing varying degrees of support for Ukraine, and some exploiting anti-Ukrainian rhetoric for political gain. The initial wave of compassion towards Ukrainian refugees, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has waned, as shown by declining public support and rising anti-Ukrainian propaganda, allegedly fueled by Russian disinformation campaigns. Activists like Natalia Panchenko of the 'Stand with Ukraine' Foundation note that while many Poles remain supportive, there is a growing minority influenced by negative narratives, impacting the safety and well-being of Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Dive Deeper:

• Svitlana, a Ukrainian mother living in Poland, recounts her daughter's experience of school bullying, where classmates have made derogatory remarks linking her to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting a shift in attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees.

• Reports from various Ukrainians in Poland indicate an increase in xenophobic abuse, not only in schools but also in public transport and online, as political tensions rise in the country amid a heated presidential election campaign.

• Poland's current political climate is marked by candidates with differing stances on Ukrainian refugees, with some using anti-Ukrainian rhetoric to gain voter support, reflecting a broader societal shift from initial empathy to growing hostility.

• Public opinion in Poland regarding Ukrainian refugees has shifted significantly, with only 50% of Poles currently supporting their acceptance, a sharp decline from 81% two years ago, influenced in part by economic concerns and disinformation.

• Activist Natalia Panchenko observes that despite a general decline in public support, many Poles continue to stand with Ukraine, although anti-Ukrainian sentiment is becoming more visible and is reportedly connected to Russian disinformation efforts.

• The Polish government has raised concerns about Russia's alleged attempts to interfere in their elections through online disinformation, aiming to sway public opinion against Ukrainian refugees and influence the political landscape.

• Michal Marek, an expert on disinformation, outlines how anti-Ukrainian narratives circulating on social media are often rooted in Russian propaganda, which has been translated and disseminated to increase anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland.