Poland: Prime Minister Tusk defies anti-Ukrainian violence

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has condemned rising anti-Ukrainian violence within the country, calling for an end to what he described as escalating attacks fueled by extremists and criminals. Speaking before a cabinet meeting in Warsaw on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Tusk warned that such incidents could damage Poland’s international reputation, which has been bolstered by its support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The prime minister cited a recent attack in Wrocław, where three Polish men brutally assaulted a Ukrainian man and his girlfriend on a public street, according to reports. The incident occurred after a dispute in a shop, with the attackers reportedly objecting to the Ukrainian accent of the victims. Police responded swiftly, placing two of the assailants, who have prior criminal records, in custody, while a third is still being sought. Tusk emphasized that these acts of violence were not isolated, noting an increase in similar incidents across Poland. He accused individuals of using political cover to justify their actions, warning that allowing such behavior to go unchecked would tarnish Poland’s global standing. Since the start of the war, Poland has provided extensive military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and hosted over one million refugees. Currently, approximately 1.5 million Ukrainians live in Poland, many working and contributing to the economy through taxes and labor. However, Tusk expressed concern over shifting attitudes toward Ukrainian residents, pointing to recent cases of harassment and physical assaults. In Skawina near Kraków, a Polish foreman verbally abused and physically attacked Ukrainian workers last Wednesday. On a train in Warsaw, two intoxicated men harassed a young Ukrainian teenager. Earlier this month, a man in Bielsko-Biała insulted and threatened two Ukrainian girls who were taking selfies. According to police data, there have been 180 hate crimes against Ukrainians reported in the first six months of 2026, a 33 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Media outlets have highlighted the spread of misinformation online, including fabricated stories about alleged crimes committed by Ukrainians in Poland. Tensions have further escalated following a decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to honor a special unit of the Ukrainian armed forces with the title “Heroes of the UPA.” This move sparked outrage in Poland, where the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is associated with mass killings of Poles during World War II in Volhynia between 1943 and 1945. While some Ukrainians view the UPA as national heroes fighting against Soviet occupation, Poland sees them as perpetrators of atrocities. Tusk aligned himself with criticism of Zelenskyy’s decision, though he stopped short of fully condemning the president. The controversy highlights deep historical divisions between the two nations, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. Despite shared efforts to combat Russian aggression, underlying tensions persist, particularly around historical narratives and national identity. Public sentiment appears to be increasingly polarized. While many Poles continue to support Ukraine, others have grown resentful of the growing Ukrainian population, citing economic pressures and social friction. Some argue that the influx of Ukrainian migrants has strained resources and created competition for jobs. Others believe that the rise in anti-Ukrainian sentiment reflects broader societal frustrations unrelated to migration. Authorities have taken steps to address the issue, with increased police presence in areas where incidents have occurred. Community leaders and civil society groups have called for dialogue and education to bridge divides. Meanwhile, politicians remain divided on how best to respond, balancing concerns over national security with the need to maintain solidarity with Ukraine. As the situation continues to unfold, observers are watching closely to see whether the government can effectively manage both the immediate threat of violence and the long-term challenge of fostering mutual respect and understanding between communities.