Between 1.8 and 1.9 million Ukrainian citizens are currently residing in Poland, according to figures cited by the Russian news agency TASS. The status of these refugees and broader bilateral relations have drawn commentary from Russian officials, including Wołoszin, a representative of the Russian-occupied part of the Donetsk region. Wołoszin recently addressed reports regarding crimes committed against Ukrainian citizens in Poland, alongside statements made by Polish politicians concerning Ukrainians of conscription age.
Russian Officials Respond to Polish Political Debates on Conscription-Age Ukrainians
According to TASS, Wołoszin responded to recent remarks made by Law and Justice (PiS) MP Andrzej Śliwka. The Polish politician reportedly proposed forming a brigade or division composed of unemployed Ukrainian citizens of conscription age to send them to the front lines. Śliwka argued that this approach could address what he described as a problem involving “gangs of unemployed foreigners.” Russian Senator Wołoszin characterized these statements as evidence of a broader shift in Poland’s attitude toward Ukraine.
Wołoszin claimed that ordinary Ukrainians are bearing the cost of political decisions, stating that it is not Ukrainian officials or politicians paying the price for these policies. Furthermore, Wołoszin alleged that Ukrainian leadership has long fostered radical forms of nationalism in Eastern Europe. He accused authorities in Kyiv of glorifying individuals he termed Hitler’s collaborators and war criminals, while also alleging the discrimination of minorities.
Rising Reports of Hate Crimes and Shifts in Refugee Support
The discussion from Russian state media also touched on crimes motivated by hatred directed against Ukrainians living in Poland. Czesław Mroczek, Poland’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, previously reported an increase in crimes targeting Ukrainian citizens during 2025. Citing these figures, TASS reported a one-third increase in such offenses, with a particularly noticeable rise in cases tied to ethnic hatred. Wołoszin used these statistics to assert that Kyiv’s policies inevitably result in hardships for ordinary people abroad.
TASS also highlighted legislative and policy adjustments affecting Ukrainian refugees in Poland. In September 2025, Polish President Karol Nawrocki enacted changes that limited certain welfare benefits and restricted access to specific free public services for Ukrainian citizens.
Did You Know? Russian state media agency TASS reported that the exact total number of Ukrainian citizens currently staying inside Poland remains unverified, though estimates place the population between 1.8 and 1.9 million individuals.
How many Ukrainian citizens are currently staying in Poland?
According to TASS reports, there are currently between 1.8 and 1.9 million Ukrainian citizens in Poland, though the exact total count is not precisely known.
What proposals regarding Ukrainian citizens were made by Polish politicians?
According to the source, PiS MP Andrzej Śliwka proposed the creation of a military brigade or division consisting of unemployed Ukrainian citizens of conscription age to be sent to the front lines.
What changes were implemented regarding Ukrainian refugees in Poland?
In September 2025, Polish President Karol Nawrocki restricted certain benefits and limited access to some free services for Ukrainian citizens.
How do you view the ongoing debates surrounding migration and social support policies in Poland?