Mon May 12 06:24:48 UTC 2025: ## Polish Election Reveals Growing Fatigue with Ukrainian Refugees
**WARSAW, POLAND** – Three years after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Poland’s upcoming presidential election on May 18th is highlighting a shift in public sentiment towards Ukrainian refugees. While Poland remains a key ally to Ukraine, providing crucial support and acting as a transit point for Western aid, a growing weariness towards the nearly one million Ukrainian refugees residing within its borders is becoming a prominent campaign issue.
Several candidates are openly capitalizing on this change in mood. Conservative frontrunner Karol Nawrocki, of the Law and Justice party, has pledged to prioritize Polish citizens over Ukrainians if elected, promising legislation to that effect. Further to the right, Sławomir Mentzen of the Confederation party has accused Ukrainians of exploiting Polish generosity. Even centrist candidates are adjusting their stances; Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski has suggested limiting access to the popular “800+” child benefit to only those Ukrainian refugees who work, pay taxes, and are legal residents in Poland.
This shift is further evidenced by incidents such as the tearing down of a Ukrainian flag at a far-right rally led by Grzegorz Braun. The changing political landscape reflects a growing tension between Poland’s strong commitment to supporting Ukraine and the increasing domestic pressure stemming from the prolonged refugee crisis.
First Piper 