Almost half of Poles are against Ukrainian refugees, study shows

A rally in support of Ukraine in Warsaw. Photo: Intera.pl

On January 6, 2026, the results of a public opinion poll, showing a record increase in the rejection of Ukrainian refugees among the residents of Poland, were published, according to data from the state research agency CBOS.

According to the study, 46% of respondents opposed the acceptance of Ukrainian citizens, while 48% still support their placement in the country. Thus, Polish society is almost evenly divided on the issue of migration policy.

Sociologists note a sharp shift in public sentiment compared to 2022, when after the start of hostilities in Ukraine, the level of support for refugees reached 94%. In an earlier period, from 2015 to 2018, surveys also consistently recorded a stable majority in favor of accepting displaced persons.

According to experts, the gradual decline in support is associated with the increasing social burden, economic difficulties, and societal fatigue from the prolonged migration crisis. The current figures represent the highest level of opposition ever recorded in the history of such surveys.

Currently, Poland hosts about 965,000 Ukrainian refugees. This is the second-largest figure in the European Union after Germany and one of the highest in terms of the population of the country.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a terrorist attack by an Islamist supporter was prevented in Poland.

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