Ukrainians wipe their eyes with amazement. Poles are little and little favorable?

Only 9% of Poles support the request to welcome Ukraine to the European Union as shortly as possible – according to a CBOS survey, which was highlighted by the Ukrainian portal "Ukrainian Truth". The authors of the publication compiled these data with social sentiments from the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, erstwhile 94 percent of Poles advocated accepting refugees from Ukraine. Ukrainian journalists wonder what happened to the then declared brotherhood.

"Ukrainian Truth" pointed to a clear change of social sentiments in Poland. According to the portal, the enthusiasm that accompanied the admission of Ukrainian refugees after the Russian invasion began does not translate into equally strong support for Ukraine's next phase of integration with the West.

“What happened to fraternity in 4 years?” the authors of the publication ask, comparing the results of both studies.

The Ukrainian portal notes that in 2026 it is increasingly hard to talk about equally strong relations between Poland and Ukraine as in the first months of the war. Support at state level continues to exist, but at the same time, disputes about common relations are increasing in both countries.

"In 2026, talking about specified strong relations with a neighbour becomes more difficult. State-level support inactive exists, but at the same time there are fierce discussions," says the publication.

"Ukrainian Truth" was besides quoted by the opinion of Polish sociologist Łukasz Mazurkiewicz, president of the Board of ARC investigation Company marketplace and Opinion. In his opinion, the war changed the way Poles perceive Ukraine. It has ceased to be only a state that rejects Russian aggression, and is increasingly seen as a stand-alone political entity that firmly defends its own interests.

"For Poles, it was a revelation that Ukraine is not only a country that effectively deters Russian aggression, but besides an assertive entity, with its own point of view, capable of defending its ideas," said the sociologist.

He added that more serious treatment of Ukraine has both affirmative and negative consequences for common relations.

– Poles take Ukraine seriously, but it has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is to recognise the position of Ukraine as a serious player, and the another side of the medal is that Ukraine is simply a competitor," said Mazurkiewicz.

In the opinion of the sociologist, changing the Polish attitude should not be a surprise. Over time, relations between the 2 nations began to be influenced not only by safety issues, but besides by differences of interest and fatigue of prolonged war.

Mazurkiewicz besides pointed out the function of the media. In his opinion, Poles are tired of constantly informing about the war, and the related feelings affect their attitude towards Ukraine.

The change in moods is besides shown by the results of a CBOS survey on Ukrainian acceptance in various social roles. According to the survey, 55 percent of respondents have contact with Ukrainians in at least 1 of the roles analysed.

40% of respondents indicated that Ukrainians were among their another friends. For 28 percent they are colleagues from school or work, while 27 percent have them among friends and close friends.

Every 5th surveyed has Ukrainians among its neighbours, and 5% declare that people of this nationality belong to its family. Contacts with Ukrainians working in Poland are regular for any respondents: 27 percent of respondents meet them all day and 24 percent – respective times a week.

CBOS besides compared current results with a survey conducted in 2023. In all the categories analysed, there was a decrease in the declared acceptance of Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian as a colleague from work would accept 83 percent of respondents, or 8 percent points little than 3 years earlier. In the case of the neighbour, the support was 82%, which means a 10% decrease.

A akin trend has been observed for public trust professions. The Ukrainian would accept 75% of respondents as a doctor – 10% little than in 2023.

The results thus point to a gradual weakening of the acceptance of Ukrainians in Polish society, although in these categories most respondents inactive declare a affirmative attitude.

A summary of the results of subsequent studies shows that the attitude of Poles towards Ukraine is not invariable. first solidarity, expressed, inter alia, in broad support for the reception of refugees, does not automatically mean the consent of Ukraine's fast membership of the EU, nor does it exclude the emergence of tensions in regular relations.