Once welcomed, Ukrainian refugees face growing hostility in Poland

Key Points:

• Nastya Podorozhnya founded Martynka, a helpline and support group for female Ukrainian refugees facing gender-based violence in Poland, but is now struggling to keep it afloat amid dwindling funding and rising hostility toward Ukrainians.
• Since the 2022 Russian invasion, Poland welcomed around 3.5 million Ukrainian refugees, with over 70% finding employment and contributing significantly to the Polish economy, yet anti-Ukrainian sentiment has grown, especially during the 2025 Polish presidential campaign.
• Historical tensions between Poland and Ukraine have resurfaced, exacerbating hostility toward Ukrainian refugees, who have faced increased prejudice-motivated crimes and social discrimination.
• The Polish government has reduced support for Ukrainian refugees, focusing aid on the most vulnerable, while international funding for refugee assistance has also declined sharply since 2022.
• Organizations like Martynka continue to receive high demand for help, highlighting ongoing needs among refugees, including those struggling with violence, poverty, and social exclusion, despite the war and its consequences persisting.