WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland has been one of Ukraine’s biggest supporters. Foreign relations experts and Ukraine advocacy groups share that over time social, historical and political tensions have tested Poland’s and Ukraine’s relationship.
“I speak with a lot of refugees and the first thing they tell me is they want to go back to Ukraine,” said Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of the nonprofit Hope for Ukraine. “When I ask them why they say the climate here is really changing.”
Boyechko said there’s been a shift in the relationship between Ukraine and it’s neighbor, Poland.
“Specifically with the new president that has the Poland first policy and that’s reflecting in the mood in society,” explained Boyechko.
When we traveled to Poland in the early stages of the latest full-scale invasion, we saw and heard strong support for Ukraine from the Polish people.
Phil Bednarczyk, the German Marshall Fund’s Warsaw office director, explains Poland has been one of Ukraine’s largest supporters and still is, but social strains, historical grievances and politics have raised tensions.
“At the kickoff in February of 2022 you saw a spike in social support for Ukraine,” said Bednarczyk. “And since then, years into the war, politics, elections, people on the street something that’s tangible, starts to wear on Polish society and perhaps an opportunity for some politicians to point at some things that are extra costs, burdens on society. Which is true but that sort of thing is waning on the full-throated support for Ukraine, less Ukrainian flags being draped on balconies.”
Bednarczyk said Ukrainians were already living and working in Poland prior to the war and they help the Polish economy. Ukraine’s defense against Russia is a key buffer for Poland’s security. Next year’s elections in Poland could gauge Polish-Ukrainian relations.
“Poland supports Ukraine in this war and Poland wants to see Ukraine win this war,” said Bednarczyk. “But on the surface, there are some political insecurities and actual experience here about social [inaudible] here about Ukrainians living in Poland that plants seeds in terms of insecurities, economic insecurity, tensions going towards refugees.”
