Polish PM Tusk condemns hate crimes against Ukrainians

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for an end to xenophobic attacks against Ukrainians in Poland, following a recent brutal assault on a Ukrainian couple in Wroclaw. Tusk stated that such acts are against Poland's interests and benefit Russia. The incident is part of a broader trend of increasing hostility towards Ukrainians in Poland, with police reporting a 30% rise in hate crimes against them in the first half of 2026.

Relations between Poland and Ukraine have been strained by historical disputes, including Ukraine's decision to name a military unit after the controversial World War II-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This has led to a shift in public opinion, with a majority of Poles now reportedly opposing the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees. Disinformation campaigns, allegedly including Russian efforts, are also cited as a factor fueling anti-Ukrainian sentiment and violence.

Several other incidents have been reported, including a Polish man being beaten for defending a Ukrainian boy, and assaults on Ukrainian girls by Polish individuals. Ukraine's ambassador to Poland has condemned these attacks and called for perpetrators to be brought to justice.