A recent poll conducted by the Center for Public Opinion Research (CBOS) shows that 67% of Poles believe Ukrainian men of military age should be sent back to their home country to fight in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
This sentiment marks a significant shift in attitudes, as only 22% of respondents felt that these men should be allowed to stay in Poland.
The study also highlights a drop in overall support for accepting Ukrainian refugees, with just 53% of Poles in favour, down from 94% in March 2022 when the conflict first began.
Poland, initially one of the most welcoming countries to over a million Ukrainian refugees, has seen growing fatigue and changing views toward its neighbouring country.
As calls increase for Ukrainian men to return home and fight, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has suggested reducing social benefits for refugees to discourage draft evasion.
Despite the launch of the ‘Ukrainian Legion’ initiative aimed at preparing Ukrainian men for military service, only around 300 volunteers have joined since its introduction in July, reflecting the challenges in mobilising refugees for combat.
Ukrainians in Poland are being lured into the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
You can even win an iPad. But the likelihood of turning into a rotting carcass near Pokrovsk is immeasurably greater. pic.twitter.com/Ktzqdaoprv
— Viktoriya Samarina (@viktoriyarus34) October 11, 2024
