Poland’s Support for Ukraine Wanes Amid Growing War Fatigue

In the early hours following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland transformed overnight into a humanitarian lifeline. As millions of Ukrainians fled westward, Polish citizens mobilized in an unprecedented display of solidarity, opening their homes, volunteering at border crossings, and donating essential supplies to those fleeing the conflict.

Nearly three years later, that initial outpouring of support has evolved into a more complex reality. What began as an emergency response has settled into a long-term humanitarian challenge, testing Poland’s resources and resolve as the war shows no signs of ending.

“We didn’t think about how long we would help – we just knew we had to,” says Marta Kowalska, who has housed three different Ukrainian families in her Warsaw apartment since the war began. “But nobody prepared us for this to become our new normal.”

The statistics tell part of the story. Poland has registered over 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees – more than any other European country. While many have since returned to Ukraine or moved elsewhere in Europe, approximately 950,000 remain in Poland, according to government figures released last month.

This sustained presence has required Poland to adapt its social services, education system, and labor market. More than 200,000 Ukrainian children have been integrated into Polish schools, creating both opportunities for cultural exchange and challenges for teachers managing language barriers and psychological trauma.

The economic impact has been significant but multifaceted. Initial fears about strain on public resources have been partially offset by Ukrainian refugees joining the workforce, with employment rates among Ukrainian adults in Poland now exceeding 70 percent. This has helped fill labor shortages in sectors ranging from hospitality to IT.

“Ukrainians aren’t just recipients of aid anymore – they’re contributors to our economy,” notes Dr. Piotr Kaźmierkiewicz, migration researcher at the Institute of Public Affairs in Warsaw. “Many businesses that were struggling to find workers before the war have been able to expand thanks to Ukrainian employees.”

However, signs of what experts call “solidarity fatigue” are emerging. Recent polling by CBOS shows that while 70 percent of Poles supported accepting Ukrainian refugees in March 2022, that figure has declined to approximately 55 percent today. Housing remains a particular pressure point, with rental prices in major cities having increased by an average of 23 percent since the invasion began.

Political tensions have also surfaced. The ongoing dispute between Polish and Ukrainian officials regarding grain imports highlights how economic self-interest can sometimes compete with solidarity. Meanwhile, nationalist politicians have increasingly leveraged anti-refugee sentiment in their rhetoric.

“There’s a narrative emerging that Ukrainians are receiving benefits that Poles themselves can’t access,” explains political analyst Agnieszka Lada-Konefał. “It’s not generally true, but in times of economic uncertainty, such messaging can find an audience.”

Grassroots organizations working with refugees acknowledge the changing landscape. “The emergency phase is over, but the need remains critical,” says Jakub Kocjan, coordinator at the Polish Migration Forum. “We’re seeing fewer volunteers and donations at a time when we’re trying to shift from crisis response to sustainable integration programs.”

Despite these challenges, Poland’s overall support for Ukraine remains strong, particularly regarding military and diplomatic backing against Russian aggression. Defense cooperation between the two countries has deepened, with Poland serving as a key hub for Western military aid to Ukraine.

Looking ahead, experts suggest that Poland’s experience offers valuable lessons for other countries facing large-scale refugee situations. The early emphasis on integrating refugees into the labor market rather than isolating them in camps has proven largely successful, despite implementation challenges.

“What Poland has accomplished should not be underestimated,” says UN refugee agency representative Christine Goyer. “The country has absorbed a refugee population equal to the size of a major city without building a single refugee camp. That’s remarkable by global standards.”

As the war continues with no resolution in sight, Poland faces the challenge of maintaining solidarity while addressing legitimate domestic concerns. The initial emotional response has evolved into something more measured but potentially more sustainable – a recognition that supporting Ukraine is not just a temporary emergency but a long-term commitment requiring both generosity and pragmatism.