German “Der Spiegel” on 29 September named Ukrainians in Poland “model immigrants” and described threats to the Ukrainian home in Warsaw. The magazine combines these actions with an increase in support for the right, which estimates nearly 50%. Threats must be pursued, but they must not be closed to the Poles on migration, benefits and historical memory.
German communicative about Poland
The article by Patricia Friedek and Jan Puhl presents a change of temper towards Ukrainians as 1 of the main themes of the Polish right. The starting point is the tragic attack at the monastery in Jarosław. According to the account quoted by Deutsche Welle, a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen Ihor M. is suspected of stabbing respective people. A monk died and 4 people were injured. The defendant's guilt may be decided by the court. The nationality of 1 individual does not burden the full nation.
The German weekly besides describes the situation of the Ukrainian home in Warsaw. The facility was expected to tighten the entry rules, introduce emergency procedures and mount monitoring. According to the magazine in 2024, the facade featured gallows symbols and pro-Russian slogans, and in the winter of 2025 a message was sent threatening to plant an explosive charge. specified actions are not a public debate. They are threats that you should explain and pursue.
Threats do not invalidate questions of Poles
The problem begins where the authors of “Der Spiegel” decision from concrete threats to a broad assessment of the Polish right. In 1 image they contain perpetrators of intimidation, opponents of social benefits for foreigners, critics of mass migration and people demanding the fact about Volyn. It's a convenient shortcut. However, it is not an honest description of the Polish dispute.
One can powerfully condemn threats and at the same time ask who deserves the benefits financed by the Polish taxpayer. You can appreciate Ukrainians who legally work and pay contributions. According to the data cited by the president of ZUS their payments to the strategy amounted to PLN 7.4 billion. It is besides possible to request the verification of the legality of residence, law enforcement and precedence of the interests of Polish citizens. These positions can be reconciled.
The German magazine states that in 2022 92 percent of Poles supported the admission of refugees from Ukraine, and now 52 percent do not want to receive more. It does not indicate in the methodology or name of the survey mentioned above, so these figures should not be considered as closing the discussion. The change of temper after a fewer years of war, the advanced cost of life, and disputes over historical politics are not in itself evidence of hatred. It is simply a signal to the authorities that hospitality without clear rules loses public support.
Volyn is not a tool of resentment
In the text “Der Spiegel” there is besides a Volyn crime. German authors indicate that during planet War II Ukrainian nationalists murdered over 100,000 Poles. This subject cannot be treated as a suspicious right-wing motive. Memory of Blood Sunday and Volyn massacre victims is an work of the Polish state, independent of current migration policy.
Responsibility for crimes of the CNS and UPA does not fall on modern Ukrainians as a collective. At the same time reconciliation must not require Poles to stay silent about victims, exhumations and cults of perpetrators. A country that gives up its own memory under force from abroad comments gives up part of its sovereignty.
Poland sets its own rules
“Der Spiegel” quotes Rafał Pankowski from the “Never More” association and describes the criticism of Ewa Zajądzkowska-Hernik and PiS as part of the increasing run against Ukrainians. In the German narration, right-wing groups, with a full of almost 50% of support, found a common subject in migration policy. There is no simple designation that voters have the right to anticipate border controls, transparent spending and enforcement of the same rules towards everyone.
Polish aid to those fleeing Russian aggression was a immense social effort. However, it does not make an unlimited commitment to each form of support. Residence position is besides governed by law, and UKR position is not automatically granted in each situation. The scope of benefits and the rules of residence are to be decided by the Polish authorities under the control of Polish citizens.
The stakes are specific: the safety of residents, taxpayers' money and trust in the state. Threats to Ukrainians must be punished. The crimes committed by foreigners request to be explained fairly. Debates on migration, Volyn and benefits must not be gagged by accusations of collective hostility. Polish policy is to be determined by the Polish national interest, not the convenience of Berlin commentators.
Source: WP News, Deutsche Welle via Onetu, ‘Der Spiegel’
Source: WP News
