Protests erupt in Poland over attacks on Ukrainians
Thousands take to the streets in mass protests in Poland (photo: twitter.com/WojReport)
Large-scale protests against rising violence and hate speech targeting Ukrainians and other minorities are taking place in 22 cities across Poland, RMF24 reports.
Where protests are taking place and why
The demonstrations under the slogan "Don't Be Indifferent" were organized by the Committee for the Defense of Democracy (KOD). Protests are taking place in major cities including Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan, Wroclaw, Katowice, Rzeszow, Lublin, Lodz, Szczecin, Bialystok, and Kielce.
The main goal of activists is to show solidarity with people facing discrimination and stop the wave of verbal and physical violence based on nationality, language, or appearance.
During the protests, participants are distributing stickers bearing the slogan "Don't Be Indifferent." They are encouraged to place them on the doors of stores, establishments, and cars.
The stickers are intended as a sign to Ukrainians that they can count on protection and help at these locations.
Series of attacks, public response
The protests are a response to a series of attacks on Ukrainians that have recently occurred in Poland.
Among the most high-profile cases were an attack on two Ukrainian citizens in Wroclaw, a baseball bat assault in Gliwice, and insults directed at Ukrainian children on a passenger bus in Bielsko-Biala.
Research by academic institutions, including the University of Warsaw, also confirms a sharp rise in anti-Ukrainian hate speech on Polish social media.
Earlier on Friday, during the "My Poland Doesn't Hit, Insult, or Incite" rally in Warsaw, organizers submitted a petition to the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of the Interior.
More than 11,000 people signed it, calling on the government to take stronger measures to protect foreigners from violence.
Situation with attacks on Ukrainians in Poland
As previously reported, Poland has seen a sharp increase in hate crimes against Ukrainian citizens. During the first six months of 2026 alone, the number of such incidents rose by more than 30%.
In particular, on August 5, an unidentified man in Krakow threatened two Ukrainians, used obscene language, and struck a woman in the face. Local law enforcement has launched an investigation into the incident, which also prompted a response from the police and the Ukrainian Consulate General.
Experts and human rights advocates say such incidents are fueled by widespread hate speech on social media, contributing to the sharp rise in attacks on Ukrainians in Poland.
