Poland to expel Ukrainian individual due to accusations of making an arson call, following President's veto on benefit sanctions
In a recent turn of events, a 29-year-old Ukrainian man, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been detained by Polish police. The detention comes following a TikTok video containing threats and images of fire engines on a housing estate in Poland.
The video was in response to Polish President Karol Nawrocki's veto on a government-supported bill to extend support for Ukrainian refugees. This veto was later replaced with alternative legislation, making benefits conditional on Ukrainians working and paying taxes in Poland.
The man is accused of public incitement to commit a crime, an offence that carries a prison sentence of up to three years. He has been charged with the crime he is alleged to have committed.
Meanwhile, Vitalyi Mazurenko, a Ukrainian journalist who holds Polish citizenship, was fired from his job at the Ukrainian International Observer after his controversial remarks. Mazurenko, in a heated exchange on commercial broadcaster Polsat News on August 27, attacked the Polish President, comparing his behaviour to that of a 'pachan', a term for the leader of a criminal group in Russian prisons.
Mazurenko's comments were met with criticism, and he initially apologized for his remarks. However, in an interview with the liberal German-owned portal Onet, he retracted the apology, claiming he did so to protect his family from online hate and aggression.
Insulting the head of state in Poland is a crime carrying a possible prison term of three months to five years. This incident has sparked a debate about freedom of speech and the line between criticism and incitement.
In a related development, the centre-left government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk has recently announced the deportation of dozens of Ukrainians and Belarusians. More than 1,100 foreigners, including 15 Ukrainians expelled on August 29 for repeated offenses such as robberies, drunken driving, and organizing illegal border crossings, have been deported from Poland in 2025.
This series of events underscores the complex relationship between Poland and Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing refugee crisis and the need for balanced and respectful discourse.
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