Key facts
- A Polish survey shows 48% of Poles support accepting Ukrainian refugees, the lowest level since the war began.
- The association 'Courage Knows No Borders' has produced approximately 35,000 square meters of anti-drone netting since February 2023.
- The group has assembled about 100 FPV drones.
- New Polish transport rules introduced in March have made it harder to deliver humanitarian aid.
- The association is experiencing a decrease in donations and volunteer participation.
Despite the ongoing need for military supplies on Ukraine's front lines, a group of Ukrainian volunteers in Warsaw is facing increasing difficulties in their efforts to provide support. The association 'Courage Knows No Borders' is struggling with dwindling donations and a decrease in volunteer participation, a situation exacerbated by growing war fatigue among the Polish population and new, cumbersome transport regulations.
Ruslana Poplawska, a coordinator for the group, stated that the demand for anti-drone nets is immense, with waiting lists for their products. The association, which gathers weekly to weave nets and assemble FPV drones, has produced approximately 35,000 square meters of netting since February 2023. However, Poplawska noted that volunteering has become more complicated, with many people having stopped their involvement and donations becoming harder to secure.
This decline in support coincides with a rise in anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland. A recent survey indicated that only 48% of Poles support accepting Ukrainian refugees, the lowest figure since the war's outset, with half believing the aid provided has been excessive. The election of nationalist Karol Nawrocki and tensions over World War II history have contributed to this shift. Furthermore, new Polish transport rules implemented in March have introduced significant bureaucracy for humanitarian aid, leading many carriers to cancel trips, including those used by the Warsaw volunteers.
Despite these challenges, the core group of around 30 volunteers remains determined. Olga, a hairdresser who volunteers on her day off, emphasized the importance of their work by comparing it to the greater sacrifices made by soldiers at the front. She also offers free haircuts, with clients encouraged to donate the proceeds to the association. Natalia Kulbatska described the group as providing 'real psychotherapy,' fostering a sense of community where no one feels alone.
Tetiana, a retiree, views the association as a 'little Ukraine in the heart of Poland.' Another project, organized by Wladyslaw Jentz, focuses on assembling FPV drones, with nearly 40 people trained to build them. The group has produced about 100 drones so far, acknowledging that thousands are needed daily on the front lines. Jentz, who has lived in Poland for 15 years, sees his involvement as crucial for his own safety and that of his children, stating that Ukraine's resilience impacts Poland's security. He also expressed personal struggle with building devices intended for harm but views it as a necessity to stop the occupier.