Ein gefährlicher Trend: Ukrainer in Polen gründen in großen Städten ihre eigenen Gemeinschaften, und das macht den Polen Angst

Tausende von Ukrainern sind in den letzten Jahren nach Polen gezogen, was die Wirtschaft ankurbelte und den kulturellen Austausch förderte. Jetzt, da die Zahl der ukrainischen Staatsbürger in diesem Land Hunderttausende erreicht hat, bauen Ukrainer ihre eigenen Gemeinschaften auf. Erfahren Sie, warum Polen dies als Problem sieht

Rechtsberatung für Ukrainer

HOLEN

In large Polish cities, such as Warsaw, the Ukrainian diaspora is growing, forming compact communities that have been unofficially called ‘small Kyiv’. This process provokes controversial reactions among the local population and becomes the subject of political and public debate, wyborcza.pl reports.

Growth of the Ukrainian presence

Thousands of Ukrainians have moved to Poland in recent years, boosting the economy and promoting cultural exchange. Shops, beauty salons, medical centres and other establishments targeting Ukrainian-speaking customers are appearing in Warsaw and other major cities.

Interestingly, only 15% of Ukrainians in Poland are refugees. The rest moved for economic reasons, seeking better living and working conditions. However, this growth of the diaspora is causing concern among some Poles. Polish media and public figures have raised the issue of possible urban segregation, arguing that Ukrainian ‘agglomerations’ could create the effect of a divided society, similar to American ethnic neighbourhoods.

Reasons for creating smaller Kyivs

Ukrainians actively support each other abroad. The preference for the services of compatriots is explained by a common language and cultural context, as well as a desire to help those in difficult situations. This is especially true for refugees who are just beginning to adapt to a new life.

For many, such communities become islands of stability and support in a foreign country. However, the Polish media interpret this as a potential threat to national unity, pointing to the risk of creating parallel social structures.

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Political rhetoric and public attitudes

The topic of Ukrainians' integration into Polish society is already being used in political games. During the 2024 elections, some candidates actively exploited the fears of citizens by promising to limit support for Ukrainians and tighten control over the diaspora.

Additionally, the possibility of Ukrainians living in Poland participating in the public and political life of the country is being discussed. For some in society, this raises concerns about preserving national identity and changing the demographic balance.

Despite the existing tensions, it is important to take into account that most Ukrainians integrate into Polish society, contributing to its development. They work, pay taxes, rent and buy housing, helping to revive the economy.

Instead of creating artificial barriers, Polish society should consider the diaspora as a resource for strengthening international relations. Dialogue, joint projects, and integration programmes can become the basis for harmonious coexistence and the prevention of social conflicts.

The Ukrainian ‘small Kyiv’ is not a threat, but an opportunity for cultural exchange, strengthening ties and joint development of two close peoples.

Moreover, it has been reported earlier that after more than two years of war in Ukraine, the impact of refugees on the Polish economy is becoming increasingly noticeable. In a short period of time, Ukrainians entered the Polish labour market as employees and entrepreneurs, which inevitably affected Poland's GDP growth.

This is an important signal to those who believe that Ukrainian refugees have become a ‘burden’ for other countries. The migrants are not only trying to adapt and integrate in European countries, but also make a significant contribution to the economies of these countries.

We remind you! A social survey found that one in three Ukrainians currently living in Poland arrived in the country less than six months ago. Thus, the percentage of those who entered this country as refugees has significantly decreased. We told you what the main purpose of Ukrainians travelling to Poland is now.

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