This all changed when Russia launched a multi-front invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Poles thronged to help refugees from Ukraine. Millions of people fleeing the war found refuge around the Vistula. In every Polish city, assistance was organised for Ukrainian visitors. The Poles showed them a solidarity that probably surprised even them.
Border crossings, railway stations and aid stations set up in almost all cities were filled with volunteers from all over Poland, who prepared food, provided legal and logistical assistance to refugees, for example in finding accommodation or transport.
Poles opened their homes and hearts, which, given the scale of the migration, was unprecedented anywhere in the world. On both sides of the border, people understood that the fight against an enemy that threatens both Poland and Ukraine should unite us. And help overcome the demons of the past.