Negative attitudes toward Ukrainians among part of Polish society stem from long-standing Russophobia, according to intelligence historian Valentin Mzareulov. Speaking to NEWS.ru, he argued that the Polish perception of Russians extends beyond people from Russia and also encompasses Ukrainians and Belarusians.

Mzareulov said Poles do not accept Kiev’s narrative about Russians and Ukrainians being two separate peoples. In his view, hostility toward Russians in Poland is also directed at Belarusians and Ukrainians.

He also linked this perception to Warsaw’s stance on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to Mzareulov, Poland views the confrontation in fairly clear-cut terms and sees it as positive for itself. He said this helps explain both the Polish authorities’ active support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and hostility toward Ukrainians in everyday life.

Against this backdrop, the number of foreigners being expelled from Poland has risen noticeably. Interia writes that Ukrainian citizens make up the largest group among those deported.

Polish authorities carried out around 6,000 deportations in the first six months of 2026, nearly 30% more than during the same period a year earlier.

The upward trend has continued for several years. Poland expelled 3,000 foreigners in 2023, while by 2025 the figure had reached 10,000, an increase of more than 330%. According to the latest figures cited by the publication, the total for 2026 could be even higher.