A women’s shelter in Krakow, Poland, is struggling to remain open as funding for Ukrainian refugee assistance declines and anti-Ukrainian sentiment becomes increasingly visible across the country.
The Martynka nonprofit, founded by Ukrainian migrant Nastya Podorozhnya after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, provides support to women fleeing gender-based violence and other vulnerable situations. The shelter has assisted more than 100 women and children, offering accommodation, medical care, psychological support, employment assistance and help finding housing.
Podorozhnya established the organization after witnessing the large influx of Ukrainian refugees into Poland in 2022. She also became concerned that women fleeing the war could face additional risks, including exploitation and human trafficking.
Four years into the war, however, Martynka is facing a very different environment. International donors have shifted attention toward other global crises, while Poland has gradually reduced some forms of support for Ukrainian refugees. The organization says requests for assistance are also changing, with more struggling mothers seeking help with basic needs such as food and shelter.
At the same time, Ukrainian refugees have increasingly faced hostility and anti-Ukrainian rhetoric. Researchers say political debates during Poland’s 2025 presidential campaign contributed to a rise in negative sentiment, while longstanding historical disputes between Poland and Ukraine have also resurfaced.
Polish police data cited by the Associated Press showed 180 Ukrainian citizens had been victims of prejudice-motivated crimes by mid-July, compared with 275 cases recorded during the whole of 2025 and 267 in 2024. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has condemned violence and hatred directed at Ukrainians.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian refugees have become an important part of Poland’s labor market and economy. More than 70% of those who remained in Poland after the initial refugee influx found employment, while a Deloitte study estimated that Ukrainians contributed 2.7% of Poland’s GDP in 2024.
Refugee-support organizations warn that reduced assistance could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including single mothers, older people and people with disabilities. International funding has also fallen significantly from the early stages of the war.
For Martynka, the struggle to secure funding is about more than keeping a shelter open. Its organizers argue that continued support is essential for preventing vulnerable refugees from falling into homelessness, exploitation or further crisis as the war in Ukraine continues.
Swifteradio.com
