Sopot becomes first Polish city to adopt official resolution supporting Ukrainians and condemning xenophobia
Council members argued that the recent increase in hostility toward Ukrainian refugees is largely driven by deliberate online disinformation campaigns.
The resolution also highlights the situation in local schools, where Ukrainian children make up 17% of all students.
In addition, the council urged Polish politicians not to exploit anti-Ukrainian rhetoric to boost their electoral support.
"We are deeply concerned that, in pursuit of momentary applause and electoral gains, some politicians have chosen to undermine Polish-Ukrainian relations. This is short-sighted and harmful to Poland's national interests. We recall the words of Jerzy Giedroyc: 'There is no free Poland without a free Ukraine,'" the resolution states.
The council also called on Poland's central government to launch a nationwide public information campaign based on data from the Central Statistical Office. The campaign should inform the public about:
The resolution further calls for countering xenophobic narratives which, according to its authors, are often fueled by external actors seeking to destabilize the country.
As Rubryka previously reported, a recent survey found that most Poles believe worsening relations between Warsaw and Kyiv primarily benefit Russia. At the same time, three-quarters of respondents said that, given the Russian threat, the two countries should focus on cooperation.
What is behind the recent tensions between Ukraine and Poland?
As Rubryka previously reported, on June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle previously awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The decision came after one of the units of Ukraine's Armed Forces was granted the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA."
The move triggered another escalation in tensions between Ukraine and Poland. In Poland, the honorary designation was widely interpreted as paying tribute to figures associated with crimes against the Polish population during World War II.
Later, Zelenskyi returned his Polish state award by mail, saying that Ukraine "would not argue" with Poland's decision, while expressing hope that "the future will confirm respect for Ukrainians."
At the same time, representatives of Polish and Ukrainian foundations, NGOs, volunteer initiatives, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens from both countries issued a joint appeal to the authorities of Poland and Ukraine, calling for responsibility, open dialogue, and mutual respect.
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26 of July 2026
