Rising Xenophobia in Poland: Ukrainian Refugees Face Increased Hostility

In Poland, a growing number of Ukrainian refugees are reporting heightened instances of xenophobia and discrimination. Once welcomed with open arms, many now face verbal abuse, bullying in schools, and hostile remarks in public spaces. Svitlana, a Ukrainian mother residing in Warsaw, shared that her daughter was recently taunted by classmates who mocked her language and made cruel jokes about missiles, a traumatic reminder of the recent attacks in their hometown.

This shift in public sentiment coincides with Poland’s upcoming presidential election, which has intensified nationalistic rhetoric and political polarization. Despite the country’s significant Ukrainian population, over 2.5 million, or nearly 7% of the total population, many refugees now feel unwelcome and isolated. Activists and community leaders are calling for renewed solidarity and anti-discrimination efforts to combat this troubling trend.