In recent months, Polish-Ukrainian relations have deteriorated, prompting a comprehensive study. The controversy was sparked by President Zelensky's decision at the end of May to name a Ukrainian military unit after the "Heroes of the UPA," the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, responsible for mass killings of Polish civilians during World War II. This decision was criticized in Poland, leading President Nawrocki to revoke Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle, the highest state decoration awarded for services to Poland.

Nearly half of respondents view the current Polish-Ukrainian relations negatively (46%), marking an increase of 19 percentage points compared to the last survey in October 2023 and the worst result in the history of our studies. Only 12% view these relations positively (a decrease of 13 percentage points).

How do you assess the current Polish-Ukrainian relations?

What do Poles think about the latest conflict between Poland and Ukraine? The statement that Ukrainians have the right to their heroes, even if they are negatively perceived in Polish history, is controversial—almost as many agree (44%) as disagree (42%). There is almost universal agreement that the Polish state should react when another state glorifies figures responsible for crimes against Poles (84%). A majority believes that President Nawrocki was right to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from the Ukrainian president (59%). However, an equal number of people think this decision brings more losses than benefits to Poland (41%).

Do you agree with the following statements?

Regardless of opinions on the actions of both sides in the Polish-Ukrainian dispute, there is a widely held belief that without addressing past issues, good Polish-Ukrainian relations cannot be built. It is shared by 77% of Poles.

Do you agree with the following statements?

Poles are aware of the political context of escalating the Polish-Ukrainian dispute: 73% agree that Polish and Ukrainian politicians fuel conflicts between the two countries for their own political gains. Given the widely shared belief that Russia benefits from the Polish-Ukrainian dispute (80%), a significant majority (75%) believe that Poland and Ukraine should cooperate in the face of the threat from Russia, rather than focusing on divisive issues. Moreover, over half of respondents (52%) agree that Poland and Ukraine have more common goals and interests than differences.

Do you agree with the following statements?

Finally, we asked our respondents what they think should be Poland's main goals in relations with Ukraine. The clear priority in public assessment should be cooperation for security, indicated by 61% of respondents. Second is the goal of building good neighbourly relations (46%). Slightly fewer people mentioned key issues such as commemorating the victims of the Volhynia massacre, strengthening Poland's position as a leader in our region of Europe, and involving Polish companies in Ukraine's reconstruction. Only a few respondents considered Ukraine's accession to the European Union and support for Ukrainian refugees in our country as priorities.

What should be Poland's current main goals in relations with Ukraine? Please select a maximum of three main goals