Вікторія Калімбет

Polish cities held demonstrations against violence and hostility toward Ukrainians and other minorities, while organizers submitted a petition demanding stronger action against hate crimes, xenophobia and disinformation. The opposition Law and Justice party proposed deporting Ukrainian men of conscription age who lack official employment and creating deportation centers and a centralized foreigner database; the government rejected the idea as impractical, noting that most such Ukrainians work and that some are caring for children with disabilities or undergoing rehabilitation. A corruption investigation followed reports that 4.5 million złoty in flood-relief funds went to three companies allegedly connected to Civic Coalition figure Anna Konechynska, who was dismissed. The scandal adds to pressure on Donald Tusk’s coalition and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. Ukraine also authorized further exhumations of Polish victims of the Volhynia tragedy, following completed work in Ostrivky and Wola Ostrovecka and planned searches in Huta Peniatska and Uhly.

A Warsaw shop supporting humanitarian work was vandalized after its employee signaled disapproval of anti‑Ukrainian chants during the Volyn March. The incident triggered online harassment, threats and ultimately a physical attack by an unidentified man, while police opened investigations into both the threats and the vandalism. The shop rapidly received public donations for repairs. Reporting highlights the role of organizer Katarzyna Sokołowska and her group in spreading anti‑Ukrainian narratives, previous convictions for hate speech and links to far‑right agitation. Experts warn of escalating xenophobia in Poland, with upcoming marches organized by the far‑right Confederation of the Polish Crown.

Ukraine advances plans for a national pantheon to honor prominent historical figures, prompting strong criticism from several Polish politicians who warn of consequences for bilateral relations and Ukraine’s EU aspirations. The initiative, backed by President Zelensky, raises concerns in Poland over potential inclusion of controversial figures from the OUN and UPA. Ukrainian officials clarify that final selections will follow expert review and legal restrictions, while some analysts highlight domestic political calculations behind the proposal. The debate revives long-standing disputes over historical memory between the two countries and underscores broader tensions affecting cooperation.