Poles did not wait or hesitate to provide them with humanitarian help. All across the country (and beyond), fundraisings are being organised in order to provide the numerous refugees with food, clothes, shelter, medicines, and many other things.

Russia has been at war with Ukraine for almost a decade. However, on the 24th of February 2022, the Russian military attacks entered à whole new level. As a result, tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens are fleeing their homeland to the West, mainly to Poland. 

Queues lead to the Polish border or kilometres long, and it takes many hours to get through. Yet once on Polish soil, Ukrainian refugees can count on a warm welcoming. 

Thousands of Poles are donating money and providing refugees with shelter. Last weekend, there were even lines of Poles waiting in front of the Legia football stadium with dozens of people waiting to donate blood. 

From the very beginning of this tragedy, Polish officials reassured that any Ukrainian seeking help or refuge in Poland will receive it. Tonnes of aid have already been provided by Poles.

Polish state railways also announced free travel for Ukrainians, while all the COVID restrictions at the border have been scrapped in order to accelerate the process of welcoming. 

https://twitter.com/britishpoles/status/1498274562668208132?s=20&t=dySIpt9tmCFsbTyZE3_8OQ

Polish politicians, who are usually so keen on clashing with each other, proceeded to a much needed “ceasefire” in the last days and joined their forces in order to coordinate the humanitarian help in the most effective way at every regional level. 

In the midst of this moving coordinated support from the Polish side, some fake news have unfortunately spread online. For example, some internet users spread a rumour claiming that non-White refugees were denied entrance on Polish soil. The latter has been strongly denied by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland on Twitter. 

https://twitter.com/PremierRP_en/status/1497904599604375554?s=20&t=hOK58AJd0dElHcX4zR7-hg

“You get to know your friends in poverty”, as the famous Polish saying goes. Poles are indeed showing a beautiful example of empathy, kindness, and solidarity. The events we have been witnessing for the last few days are historical in many regards. 

Image: Twitter @Straz_Graniczna

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen