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Poland prepares for war with Russia
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Poland prepares for war with Russia as anti-Ukrainian sentiment rises. The conflict strains Polish-Ukrainian relations and refugee support.
Background
Poland, a key NATO ally bordering Ukraine, has been a primary destination for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. However, as the conflict drags on, anti-Ukrainian sentiment is rising in Poland, straining the welcome that refugees initially received. This trend is occurring against the backdrop of Russia's aggressive military posture and fears of further escalation.
How it unfolded
- 2026A women's shelter for Ukrainian refugees in Krakow, Poland, founded by Nastya Podorozhnya, struggles to survive as anti-Ukrainian sentiment rises.
- 2026Russia's military recruitment efforts become more aggressive, with reports of intimidating tactics, as fears of a winter offensive grow.
- 2026UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham visits Ukraine with missile-making plans, defying Russian threats, amid escalating tensions.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Polish officials have not commented directly, but the shelter's struggle reflects growing societal tensions.
- Public
- Nastya Podorozhnya, shelter founder, says 'It often starts with me having tea in this very kitchen with the women and they tell me what happened to them and I say girl, same,' highlighting shared trauma.
- Expert
- Peter Dickinson, a scholar on the Ukraine conflict, says Russia's actions are part of a 'long-running hybrid war' against Ukraine's backers.
Still unverified
Reports of Russia using intimidating tactics in military recruitment are based on anecdotal accounts and have not been independently verified.