Over half of Poles oppose Ukraine's accession to EU – poll

Ulyana Krychkovska, VALENTYNA ROMANENKO - 29 July, 09:55

Stock photo: Getty Images

Poland is divided over continued military support for Ukraine, and the majority of its citizens oppose Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Source: Polish news portal RMF24, citing a poll conducted by Opinia24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The poll results show that 44% of Poles believe Warsaw should suspend military aid to Ukraine over the UPA issue, while 41% are convinced that support should continue. [The OUN (Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists) was a Ukrainian nationalist political group, the UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) was its military wing, involved in armed resistance, and Stepan Bandera was a Ukrainian nationalist leader often criticised in Poland for extremist actions during WWII – ed.]

The majority of respondents also backed the decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. This move was approved by 55% of those surveyed, while 27% were against it.

The poll also showed a deterioration in Poles' attitudes towards Ukrainians. More than half of respondents (54%) said their attitude has not changed since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, but 36% said it has worsened.

Only 3% said they view Ukrainians more favourably.

Poles are even more critical when it comes to Ukraine's European integration. A total of 52% of respondents oppose Ukraine's accession to the EU, while 33% back the idea.

The greatest consensus among respondents concerns the possible participation of Polish troops in a post-war mission in Ukraine. Sending Polish forces to monitor a ceasefire was opposed by 65% of poll participants, while only 18% support the idea.

The Opinia24 poll was conducted on 13-15 July 2026 among 1,000 adult citizens of Poland.

Background:

A group of Polish men recently attacked a young Ukrainian couple in Wrocław, reportedly after hearing their accent.
In connection with this attack, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged President Nawrocki "to break his silence on this matter".
Polish government spokesman Adam Szłapka is linking the rise in cases of violence against Ukrainians to the rhetoric and actions of right-wing politicians.

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