Poland braces for influx of Ukrainian refugees before winter
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Poland’s Lublin Province is preparing for a possible new wave of refugees from Ukraine, Ukrainian Consul General in Lublin, Oleh Kuts, told RFE/RL on Nov. 1.
He noted that coordination meetings are held monthly in the city to discuss aid for Ukrainian citizens and potential scenarios for an influx of refugees. Although there are currently no signs of a major refugee wave coming from Ukraine, Kuts emphasized the importance of readiness, particularly ahead of the winter season.“We recently had a meeting to work through various scenarios,” the official said.“I can say that the level of preparedness in Lublin Province is high. Lists of volunteers from 2022, who helped our citizens, are ready. These lists comprise several hundred volunteers who can be mobilized as needed. There is a clear understanding of roles—who will work at the border and who will operate at the railway stations.”
The coordination group includes local government representatives, NGOs, volunteers, Ukrainian diplomats, and the U.N. Refugee Agency, which provides guidance on available grants to support refugees.
According to Kuts, a new wave of Ukrainians entering Poland could depend on several factors, including the intensity of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the situation on the battlefield.
Earlier, Lublin Governor Krzysztof Komorski told RMF FM, a Polish media outlet, that refugee centers can be set up in the region within 24 to 48 hours if necessary.
“If there’s a need to help people fleeing war or the cold, we’ll be ready,” said Komorski.
“In past years, there were months when several hundred people came daily, sometimes even several thousand. Those were the largest waves, and we are prepared for that, but I believe those situations are less likely now.”
According to Poland's Central Statistical Office, only half of Poles currently support accepting more Ukrainian refugees, while 40% are opposed.
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