After years of unprecedented solidarity, the attitude of Polish society towards Ukrainians is becoming more pragmatic and demanding amid general war fatigue.
Support for Ukraine in Poland is declining amid historical disputes / © TSN.ua
In November 2025, sociologists recorded a noticeable cooling of emotions in Polish society regarding Ukrainian refugees and further support for Kyiv. The period of unconditional aid is gradually giving way to expectations of transparent rules and an urgent demand for the resolution of historical disputes.
The results of a sociological report by the Juliusz Mieroszewski Centre for Dialogue attest to these significant societal transformations.
Growing Negativity and Fatigue with Social Assistance
According to the research data, the percentage of negative assessments regarding Ukrainians living in Poland has risen to 35%. At the same time, positive attitudes still prevail, although they have decreased to 39%. Researchers note that the main source of disappointment is not personal hostility, but criticism of social policy and palpable economic pressure.
“Aid, yes. But according to clear rules, not some kind of amateur initiative,” sociologists quote respondents from the older age group of 46 to 65 years old.
Sociologists highlight several key factors currently shaping the change in mood within Polish society:
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A sense of injustice due to social payments and weak control over the refugee assistance system.
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Economic competition, particularly the strong impact of Ukrainian agriculture on local farmers.
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Fear of escalation and concerns that excessive military support for neighbours might deplete Poland’s own defence resources.
Historical Disputes and European Integration
Respondents consider the most important task for Polish politicians in relations with Ukraine to be ensuring the exhumation and burial of the victims of the Volhynia tragedy. As many as 57% of respondents insist that the Ukrainian authorities should resolve this issue as soon as possible. Historical memory remains an extremely sensitive topic that directly affects the level of trust between the two nations.
Against this backdrop, enthusiasm for Ukraine’s unconditional accession to Western structures is also weakening. The percentage of opponents to the Ukrainian state joining the European Union has risen to 25%, and 24% of Poles are negatively disposed towards NATO membership. The majority of Polish citizens still support these integration processes, but increasingly set clear conditions and demand deep reforms.
“First, they need to eradicate corruption there, because everything is done through backroom deals,” emphasized younger participants in the survey, commenting on the conditions for European integration.
Despite growing skepticism and pragmatism, Poles continue to consider Ukraine’s resistance a key factor in their country’s security. 39% of respondents unequivocally call a scenario of complete Ukrainian victory over Russia the best guarantee of lasting peace in the region.
We remind you that over 50% of Poles stated that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to name a unit “UPA heroes” negatively influenced their attitude towards Ukraine. Men and young people under 24 years old were the most critical.
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