On Thursday, Poland enacted a new law that restricts social benefits intended for Ukrainian refugees residing in the country. This law, passed at the end of January, aims to gradually phase out the aid provided to Ukrainian refugees following Russia's invasion in 2022, introducing new limitations on social support, medical care, legal residency, and education.

Under the terms of the new legislation, specialized healthcare services will only be available to minors, working individuals, victims of torture or rape, and vulnerable groups living in communal accommodations. Additionally, Polish schools will only provide continued funding for free transportation, material assistance, and extra Polish language classes for Ukrainian students until the end of the academic year. This move underscores the shifting approach Poland is taking towards the refugee crisis, as the initial open-door policy has faced growing scrutiny.

At the onset of the war, Poland became a crucial entry point for millions of Ukrainian refugees heading to Europe, and it remains an important hub for the delivery of humanitarian and military aid. However, public sentiment in Poland has evolved since the start of the conflict, reflecting increasing concerns about the long-term implications of hosting refugees and the capacity of support systems to handle their needs.