In Poland, where over 2.5 million Ukrainians have found refuge, many are now facing rising hostility and discrimination. Svitlana, a Ukrainian mother, recounts how her daughter, once happy in her Polish school, is now bullied and told to "go back to Ukraine." This alarming trend, characterized by xenophobic remarks in public spaces and on social media, coincides with a polarizing presidential election campaign in Poland.
Svitlana reflects on the changing atmosphere around her, noting that fellow Ukrainians, once welcomed during the onset of the war, now feel unwelcome. The kindness once shown by Polish citizens seems to be overshadowed by a growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment. Reports indicate that messages disparaging Ukrainians have increased both online and in person, creating an uncomfortable environment for many refugees who are already traumatized by the war.
The shifting sentiment is reportedly connected to political dynamics, as Poland's elections approach. Some candidates are leveraging anti-Ukrainian sentiment to gain support, with far-right figures particularly vocal in their opposition to Ukrainian presence in the country. The political discourse surrounding refugees has turned contentious, with even pro-Ukrainian candidates adjusting their stances to align with changing public opinions.
Additionally, disinformation campaigns originating from Russian sources exacerbate tensions, painting Ukrainians as burdens to the Polish budget and fueling stereotypes of criminality. NGOs monitoring this misinformation highlight a troubling trend where such narratives gain traction among the Polish populace, thus complicating the lives of Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing war.
As the electoral season unfolds, many wonder how these societal attitudes will impact the future of Ukrainians in Poland and whether the initial outpouring of support will survive or dwindle under political pressure and negative media portrayal.
Svitlana reflects on the changing atmosphere around her, noting that fellow Ukrainians, once welcomed during the onset of the war, now feel unwelcome. The kindness once shown by Polish citizens seems to be overshadowed by a growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment. Reports indicate that messages disparaging Ukrainians have increased both online and in person, creating an uncomfortable environment for many refugees who are already traumatized by the war.
The shifting sentiment is reportedly connected to political dynamics, as Poland's elections approach. Some candidates are leveraging anti-Ukrainian sentiment to gain support, with far-right figures particularly vocal in their opposition to Ukrainian presence in the country. The political discourse surrounding refugees has turned contentious, with even pro-Ukrainian candidates adjusting their stances to align with changing public opinions.
Additionally, disinformation campaigns originating from Russian sources exacerbate tensions, painting Ukrainians as burdens to the Polish budget and fueling stereotypes of criminality. NGOs monitoring this misinformation highlight a troubling trend where such narratives gain traction among the Polish populace, thus complicating the lives of Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing war.
As the electoral season unfolds, many wonder how these societal attitudes will impact the future of Ukrainians in Poland and whether the initial outpouring of support will survive or dwindle under political pressure and negative media portrayal.
