A worrying trend is emerging in Poland: the number of hate crimes against Ukrainian citizens is showing a rapid increase. According to law enforcement data, only in the first six months of 2026, 180 reports of "hate speech" and ethnically motivated attacks were registered.

To understand the scale of the situation, it is enough to compare these figures with previous periods. Throughout 2024, 267 such reports were filed in the country, and in 2025 — 275. If the current dynamics continue, the number of incidents could reach 360 cases by the end of 2026.

Hidden Statistics and Real Threats

Experts warn that official statistics may not reflect the full picture. Sociologist and President of the Institute of Public Affairs, Jacek Kucharczyk, notes that hate crimes often remain in the shadows. Many victims simply fear reporting incidents to the police, leading to an underestimation of actual aggression levels.

Recently, the situation has been exacerbated by several high-profile cases that have garnered widespread public attention:

  • In the city of Bielsko-Biała, a 54-year-old former bus driver was detained for publicly insulting underage Ukrainian girls on national grounds. The man faces up to three years in prison.
  • In May in Warsaw, a group of teenagers attacked three Ukrainian teens. As a result of the fight, one of the victims suffered a skull fracture.

Political Context and Public Sentiment

The rise in aggression has sparked a heated debate among Polish politicians. Officials accuse opposition forces of stoking anti-Ukrainian sentiments ahead of election campaigns. Sociologists, however, point out that public anger is being actively fueled by Russian trolls on the internet.

The situation was further complicated by a recent deterioration in diplomatic relations between Warsaw and Kyiv, caused by historical issues and disagreements over military aid. A poll conducted by the IBRiS agency showed that more than 33% of Poles have noticed a deterioration in their attitude towards Ukrainians.

Criminologist Professor Brunon Golist explains the shift in public sentiment. While sympathy and support for refugees prevailed in Polish society after the start of the full-scale war, aggression is now becoming more visible. The expert cites the large number of migrants — approximately 1.2 million Ukrainians live in Poland — as well as the influence of public statements by politicians and activists as risk factors.

Tightening of Migration Legislation

Against the backdrop of rising xenophobia, the rules for the stay of Ukrainian citizens abroad are undergoing significant changes. Already in July, the European Commission plans to announce major amendments to the Temporary Protection Directive. According to the new rules, men and women will need a special certificate issued upon request from official Kyiv.

Simultaneously, the Polish Ministry of the Interior and local administrations have prepared a draft law tightening requirements for foreigners. In particular, the country plans to complicate the procedure for obtaining citizenship. This decision will directly affect Ukrainians, who remain the largest group of applicants for a Polish passport.