Deterioration of sentiment among several Poles towards Ukrainian migrants.
After over two years of Russia's hostile conflict against Ukraine, a survey in nearby Poland reveals a deterioration in attitudes towards refugees. Despite a substantial majority of 78% still advocating for Poland to welcome Ukrainian refugees, as per a study published last Thursday by scholars at the University of Warsaw, this figure was substantially higher at 89% in June 2023.
Poland, a steadfast political and military ally of Ukraine, has absorbed close to a million refugees from there. In this latest study, 90% of the respondents stated that their feelings toward Ukrainian refugees have grown more negative in recent periods. Nearly half (47%) agreed with the sentiment that refugees from Ukraine display a "demanding attitude." In the previous year, this was only at 39%.
As per the survey, 70% of the respondents this year expressed the viewpoint that social benefits for Ukrainian refugees should be greatly reduced. An additional 25% felt that aid should be diminished slightly. The study also indicates a shift in Polish citizens' support for their country's assistance to Ukraine. In June 2022, shortly after the conflict erupted, approximately half of the respondents believed that Poland should continue to aid Ukraine more than before. Currently, this is only the case for around a quarter.
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In light of the negative shift in attitudes, many Poles are now expressing concerns about the posture of Ukrainian refugees, with 47% believing they have a demanding attitude. Despite the overall support for welcoming Ukrainian refugees, a survey shows that 70% of respondents in Poland believe social benefits for refugees should be significantly reduced.
