A sociologist explained why attitudes toward Ukrainian refugees are deteriorating in Poland
The deterioration in Poles’ attitudes toward Ukrainian refugees may be linked to the rhetoric of local politicians and media campaigns.
This opinion was expressed by sociologist Oleksiy Antypovych, head of the “Rating” sociological group.
According to him, statements by Polish officials may have influenced public opinion, reinforcing negative perceptions of Ukrainians. He also noted that recent opinion polls indicate a growing number of Poles who oppose accepting new refugees from Ukraine.
Antypovych noted that the outflow of Ukrainian refugees from Poland has been ongoing since 2022–2023. Many Ukrainians have already moved to Germany and other European countries, and against the backdrop of growing negative sentiment, this trend may intensify. At the same time, he said, a mass return of people to Ukraine should not be expected due to the war.
The sociologist also believes that Russia is exploiting such situations for its own interests. In his view, Moscow is attempting to escalate tensions surrounding the issue of Ukrainian refugees and European countries’ support for Ukraine.
Source: UNIAN.
Earlier, Polish police stated that the attack on Ukrainians in Wrocław may have been ethnically motivated.
As a reminder, a Ukrainian couple was brutally beaten in Wrocław, Poland. According to the victim’s mother, the attack occurred after the assailants heard Ukrainian being spoken in a store. Both victims sustained serious injuries; medical professionals suspect they may have suffered concussions.
The Ukrainian Consulate has asked Polish authorities to urgently locate the attackers who assaulted the Ukrainians in Wrocław.
