Donald Tusk has called on Polish lawmaker Piotr Nawrocki to break his silence regarding the rise in violence against Ukrainians in Poland. Tusk emphasized that Poland must take a strong stance against such acts, stating that “bandits and hooligans” have gained audacity and confidence due to political backing within the country. He referenced a recent high-profile incident involving the brutal beating of a Ukrainian couple in Wroclaw.
Tusk highlighted that some of the attackers have boasted on social media, claiming to be “defenders of the borders.” He stressed that these statements are not mere coincidences. He pointed out that Poland has historically been sensitive to violence, particularly when it affects the most vulnerable, including women and children. However, he noted that incidents of violence have become increasingly frequent, often fueled by national prejudices and hatred.
Reflecting on the initial support and solidarity Polish citizens showed towards Ukrainians following the onset of the war instigated by Russia, Tusk lamented that “this is now being undermined.”
In this context, he urged Nawrocki to speak out on the issue. According to Tusk, the reputation of Poland is being tarnished by gangs, and he also appealed to Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of the Law and Justice Party (PiS), to cease encouraging the formation of such groups.
Tusk underscored that politicians who provide these groups with political support and a moral mandate are also responsible for the growing violence and the impunity surrounding it.
Context
- Recently, there has been an increase in attacks against Ukrainians in Poland. On July 11, a man assaulted a Pole, mistakenly believing he was Ukrainian.
- On July 13, TVN24 reported that in Bielsko-Biala, police arrested a 54-year-old man who verbally abused Ukrainian children on a bus and threatened them. He has since been officially charged.
- On July 17, Rzeczpospolita cited data from the Polish National Police indicating that since the beginning of the year, Ukrainians living in Poland have filed 180 reports of hate crimes against them, a 30% increase compared to the previous year.
- On July 21, Galecka also reported the arrest of two suspects in Poznan for beating an elderly man who defended a Ukrainian on a tram.
- On July 23, the city council of Sopot became the first in Poland to pass a resolution protesting the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiments and hate speech.
