Poland and Poles as seen by Ukrainians 2025 | Mieroszewski Centre

Its aim is to analyse perceptions of Poland, Poles, and Polish–Ukrainian relations in the context of the ongoing war, mass migration, and intensive social and institutional interaction.

At the same time, the Mieroszewski Centre carried out an analogous public opinion survey in Poland. The results of that study were published in the report “Poles on Ukraine and Polish–Ukrainian Relations 2025”, available here.

The study was not intended to compare levels of sympathy or to create rankings of countries. Instead, it seeks to capture the processes shaping social attitudes and expectations in a relationship that, in recent years, has evolved into one of everyday coexistence.

Poland as one of Ukraine’s key partners

The survey shows that Poland remains one of the most important reference points for Ukrainian society. A clear majority of respondents identify Poland among the countries that played a key role in supporting Ukraine after 2022. Relations with Poland are assessed not in abstract terms, but through everyday experiences such as crossing the border, employment, refugee stays, education, and contact with public institutions.

This level of proximity means that Poland is judged according to higher standards than many other partner countries, and expectations towards it are correspondingly more concrete and demanding.

Assessment of relations: predominance of moderate attitudes

Overall assessments of Polish–Ukrainian relations are predominantly positive or moderately positive, while unequivocally negative opinions remain a clear minority. The data indicate that even critical views are expressed within a broader recognition of the importance of relations with Poland, rather than as their rejection.

Changes in public sentiment therefore reflect an adjustment of expectations rather than a breakdown of trust.

Criticism of decisions, not of society

The study reveals a clear distinction between assessments of Polish society and evaluations of state actions and political decisions. Respondents are far more likely to express criticism towards specific institutional solutions—such as border issues, trade regulations, or the manner in which decisions are communicated—than towards Poles as people.

One of the most frequently cited sources of frustration is unpredictability and the sudden introduction of changes. In wartime conditions, stability of rules and clear communication are of particular importance for Ukrainian public opinion.

High expectations as a result of the 2022–2023 experience

High expectations towards Poland are a direct consequence of its key role during the first years of the full-scale war and the experience of intensive cooperation. Poland is more often than other countries assessed through the lens of earlier support and the closeness of bilateral relations.

Critical opinions expressed in the survey should therefore not be interpreted as a lack of gratitude, but rather as a consequence of the particular place Poland occupies in the social consciousness of Ukrainians.

History and memory from the Ukrainian perspective

The study shows that issues of history and historical memory are present in Ukrainian assessments of relations with Poland, although they function less often as a standalone topic and more frequently as part of a broader political and institutional context. For Ukrainian respondents, the significance of history becomes most visible during moments of tension and public dispute, influencing assessments of mutual intentions and the way states communicate their positions.

The data also indicate a growing awareness on the Ukrainian side of the social importance of these issues in Poland and of their impact on public sentiment, making history an area that requires particular sensitivity in communication.

Nature of the report

The report is analytical and diagnostic in nature. Its aim is to identify sensitive areas in Polish–Ukrainian relations and to improve understanding of the mechanisms shaping social attitudes