Protests in 22 Polish cities demand end to anti-Ukrainian violence under slogan "Don't be indifferent"
The Committee for the Defense of Democracy organized protests in 22 Polish cities on 9 August 2026 under the slogan "Don't be indifferent," responding to a wave of violent attacks and hate speech targeting Ukrainians and other minorities.
Protests across 22 cities
On 9 August 2026, the Committee for the Defense of Democracy (KOD) organized demonstrations under the slogan "Don't be indifferent" in 22 Polish cities, including Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Poznań, Wrocław, Katowice, Rzeszów, Lublin, Łódź, Szczecin, Białystok and Kielce. The protests were a direct response to a series of violent incidents targeting Ukrainian citizens and other minorities in recent weeks. Participants distributed stickers reading "Don't be indifferent" to place on shop doors, vehicles and bicycles, signaling to Ukrainians that they can count on help and feel safe.
In Warsaw, the protest took place at Plac Zamkowy. KOD chairman Kuba Karyś thanked attendees for choosing a hot place in the city center over the beach, gardens, pools or sitting in front of the TV.
Poland is a beautiful country, it should be a beautiful country for everyone. Ukrainians in Poland are our friends, our colleagues from work. Our neighbors, they came here to protect themselves. We were supposed to protect them, we were supposed to ensure their safety. And that is our dog duty.
Gdańsk: counter-protest and scuffles
In Gdańsk, approximately 300 people gathered before the Dwór Artusa, co-organized by KOD, Tolerado, Obywatele RP Gdańsk, Stowarzyszenie Warto Być Przyzwoitym, Amnesty International and Zjednoczeni Gdańsk. Vice-president of Gdańsk Monika Chabior addressed the crowd. A counter-protest by Młodzież Wszechpolska drew a group of about a dozen people. Both sides attempted to shout each other down, and scuffles broke out between the groups, requiring police intervention.
In Łódź, several dozen KOD activists gathered in the Schillera passage with anti-fascist slogans including "Fascism is pain", "Fascism is tears", "Fascism is contempt", "Fascism is harm" and "Fascism is suffering". In Toruń, the demonstration began at 4 PM on the Old Town Market Square by the Copernicus monument.
Rising hate crimes and shifting opinion
According to police data cited by OKO.press, the number of hate crimes reported by Ukrainians rose by 30% compared to 2025, though the figure is considered significantly underreported as foreigners often do not file complaints. Research centers including Res Futura and the University of Warsaw documented a sharp increase in hate speech in Polish social media in May and June 2026.
- Sopot city council adopts resolution condemning wave of hatred toward Ukrainians
- Warsaw protest 'My Poland does not beat'; petition with over 11,000 signatures submitted to KPRM and MSWiA
- KOD protests in 22 cities under slogan 'Don't be indifferent' against violence targeting Ukrainians
A July CBOS poll showed, for the first time, opposition to accepting refugees (52%) exceeding support (42%).
- Opposed to accepting refugees
- 52 %
- Support accepting refugees
- 42 %
Government petition and earlier actions
On Friday 7 August, a separate Warsaw protest under the slogan "My Poland does not beat, does not insult, does not hound" saw organizers submit a petition signed by over 11,000 people to the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM) and the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA), demanding decisive government action against brutal attacks on Ukrainian citizens. In late July, the Sopot city council adopted a resolution condemning the wave of hatred toward Ukrainians, and the marshal of the Pomeranian voivodeship issued a statement condemning violence on national, ethnic and cultural grounds.
Karyś referenced Marian Turski's 2025 speech about how fascism begins with a single bench where Jews are not allowed to sit, arguing that Poland has become a multi-national society and must live in friendship and goodwill with Ukrainians and other minorities.
