Key facts
- Police received 180 reports of alleged hate crimes against Ukrainian citizens in Poland in the first half of 2026.
- This figure marks a more than 30% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
- In 2024, 267 reports were filed, rising to 275 in 2025.
- The incidents have sparked a political debate, with accusations exchanged between government and opposition parties.
- Ukrainian activists are urging against generalizing the actions of perpetrators to the entire Polish nation.
Attacks targeting Ukrainian citizens in Poland are on the rise, with police data revealing a significant increase in reported hate crimes. In the first half of 2026, authorities received 180 such reports, marking a more than 30% surge compared to the same period last year. This trend follows a steady increase in nationality-motivated incidents over the past two years, with 267 reports in 2024 and 275 in 2025.
The escalating aggression has fueled a political dispute, with the Interior and Administration Minister accusing opposition figures of promoting a "brown wave" of hatred. Conversely, the opposition has blamed the current government for the "brutalization of public life."
Amidst the rising tensions, Ukrainian activists are working to foster understanding. Natalia Panchenko of Stand With Ukraine in Poland emphasized the importance of holding individual perpetrators accountable rather than generalizing their actions to an entire nation, highlighting the support many Poles have shown to Ukraine.