Poll shows majority of Poles now oppose accepting Ukrainian refugees

For the first time since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began, more than half of Poles oppose accepting Ukrainian war refugees, according to a survey by the Public Opinion Research Centre (CBOS) cited by Polish Radio.

The poll found that 52% of respondents believe Poland should not accept Ukrainians fleeing the war, while 42% hold the opposite view. Polish Radio reports this is the first time since 2014—when CBOS began tracking public opinion after Russia’s annexation of Crimea—that opponents of refugee acceptance have outnumbered supporters.

Support for accepting Ukrainian refugees peaked at 94% following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 but has steadily declined since mid-2023.

The survey also revealed that 54% of Poles think their country provides too much assistance to Ukrainian refugees. Another 40% consider the current level of support appropriate, while only 3% believe it should be increased.

A majority of respondents supported the decision to limit state-funded healthcare services to those who pay health insurance contributions in Poland. Meanwhile, 58% opposed a proposal to end free collective accommodation for mothers with children over one year old.

The survey was conducted between July 2 and 12, with 938 adult Polish residents participating.