On July 4, a so-called “Volhynian March” took place in Warsaw, drawing attention for the aggressive rhetoric of its participants. As reported by Slawa.tv, the event served as a platform for xenophobic slogans and echoes of Russian propaganda. The situation escalated when a staff member of the “Las Rąk” (Forest of Hands) art gallery silently signaled her disapproval of the marchers, only to be met with threats and calls for deportation.
The event highlights how sensitive historical topics are being weaponized by radical groups to sow discord between Poland and Ukraine. However, the subsequent events proved that these provocations are failing to divide society. Following the march, the gallery faced a barrage of online harassment, death threats, and an eventual physical attack on their premises. Warsaw police are currently treating the incident as a criminal matter, with human rights organizations comparing the attackers’ tactics to historical pogroms.
Despite the attempt at intimidation, the Polish public responded with an overwhelming show of solidarity. A crowdfunding campaign launched to help repair the gallery surpassed its goal sevenfold, raising over 137,000 PLN. The owners have pledged the surplus funds to aid Ukrainian refugees. This reaction serves as a powerful testament to the maturity of Polish civil society, which refuses to be steered by hatred.
Significantly, this incident aligns with recent intelligence reports from the Polish Internal Security Agency (ABW) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU). Both agencies have successfully uncovered networks funded by Moscow designed to stage anti-Ukrainian protests in various Polish cities. By paying individuals to incite hostility, these groups aim to create a false image of public sentiment. However, the story of Las Rąk serves as a reminder that the bonds between Ukrainians and Poles are stronger than orchestrated campaigns of disinformation. As Europe faces ongoing geopolitical challenges, acts of defiance against xenophobia are more vital than ever.