Poland is now home to nearly one million Ukrainian refugees under EU protection, making it one of Europe's largest refugee populations. A recent UNHCR–Deloitte report finds these new residents contributed roughly 2.7 percent to Poland's GDP last year, underscoring the economic impact of migration.
Employment rates among Ukrainians in Poland jumped from 61 percent to 69 percent over the same period. Yet more than half say they don't know when—or if—they will return to Ukraine, as hopes for a lasting peace deal remain uncertain.
At the 'Ukrainian Home' NGO in Warsaw, families come for legal guidance and daily support. There, the personal stakes of policy and economics come into focus. Take Michal, a 65-year-old pensioner. He recalls surviving on a meager $60 pension back home. In Poland, his wife's monthly earnings top $1,100. 'Maybe if things change in Ukraine, I will go back,' he says. 'But for now, life here is easier.'
The stories of Michal and others highlight a broader dilemma. On one hand, refugees dream of rebuilding their homeland; on the other, they face real opportunities in Poland's job market and social system. As negotiations for peace progress, these choices will shape the future of both nations.
Behind every statistic is a family weighing security, hope, and identity. Their journeys remind us that global challenges are deeply personal—and that rebuilding lives often means navigating uncertainty.
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Ukrainians in Poland weigh should they stay or should they go
cgtn.com
