Ukrainian Ambassador Reports 30% Rise in Attacks on Ukrainians in Poland

Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bondar said attacks against Ukrainians have risen by roughly 30 percent, citing Polish police statistics that show a sharp acceleration in reported incidents during 2026.

Police recorded 267 attacks or acts of aggression against Ukrainians in 2024 and 275 in 2025. In the first six months of 2026 alone, authorities have already logged 180 such cases, a pace that would exceed the previous two full-year totals if sustained.

Bondar cautioned that the figures must be assessed alongside changes in legislation and offense classification. Actions previously qualified as hooliganism or insult are now more frequently categorized as crimes motivated by national hatred, following amendments to Poland's hate‑crime framework.

The embassy has previously issued safety guidance urging Ukrainian citizens to contact Polish police and consular offices when they experience violence, reflecting ongoing concern for the diaspora.

The ambassador did not specify the nature of the recent incidents or identify perpetrators. Polish authorities have not released a comparable breakdown of suspects or conviction rates for the three periods.