Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for an end to xenophobic attacks on Ukrainians following the beating of a Ukrainian couple in Wrocław. He stated that such actions contradict Poland’s interests and benefit Russia.
The statement was prompted by a video that circulated widely on social media, showing three Poles assaulting a Ukrainian man and his girlfriend in Wrocław on Sunday after an argument in a store. Two suspects were detained on Monday. During a government meeting, Donald Tusk remarked: “Anyone who commits such vile acts is acting directly against Poland’s interests.” He further emphasized: “You are working against Poland, in favor of Russia and in favor of Polish and Ukrainian nationalism.”
Although Warsaw remains one of Kyiv’s main allies and continues to support Ukraine’s defense, Ukrainians in Poland have increasingly faced public hostility in recent years. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Poles initially rallied to support Ukrainian refugees, but over time, attitudes have shifted to become less favorable.
Historical disputes also complicate relations between the two countries. One contributing factor was Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after Ukrainian nationalist insurgents from World War II. In Ukraine, these figures are viewed as fighters against the Nazi and Soviet regimes, while in Poland, they are associated with mass executions of Poles.
In June, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland’s highest award amid this historical dispute.
Increase in the number of hate crimes
The Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported earlier in July that police received 180 reports of hate crimes against Ukrainians in the first half of 2024, a 30% increase compared to the same period last year.
The beating in Wrocław was one of several similar incidents that have recently gained significant attention. In Poznań, a 60-year-old Pole was assaulted after defending a Ukrainian boy who was insulted by three men. In Legnica, a 26-year-old woman was charged after attacking two 13-year-old Ukrainians because of their nationality.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, condemned such attacks as unacceptable and expressed hope that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Source: The Straits Times
