Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed legislation that would have extended welfare benefits for Ukrainian refugees, fulfilling a campaign promise to tighten social assistance amid rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland.

The veto threatens to end the Starlink internet service provided to Ukraine by Elon Musk's company, which has been crucial since Russia's large-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Nawrocki justified the veto by stating aid should be reserved for Ukrainians employed in Poland, arguing that extending benefits would disadvantage Poles and that the legal framework needed correction, with no plans for extension beyond September.

The proposed law aimed to extend temporary protection status for Ukrainians until March 2026, but without extension, protections will expire at the end of September, affecting benefits and residence rights for nearly 1 million refugees.

The legislation would have also allowed Ukrainians to access professions and benefits until March 2026, but Nawrocki’s veto blocks this extension.

Since Russia's invasion in 2022, Poland has hosted over 1 million Ukrainian refugees, providing them with healthcare, education, and family allowances, with current support set to end in September.

Poland initially showed strong support for Ukrainian refugees, but anti-Ukrainian sentiment has increased, despite evidence that refugees contribute more in taxes than they receive in aid.

The veto was criticized by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his government, who argued it punishes children and the unemployed, and lack the parliamentary majority to override it.

Tusk's government also condemned the veto as against human decency, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable populations like children.

Historical issues, including disagreements over Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera, influence Polish-Ukrainian relations and domestic attitudes, with some viewing him negatively due to past atrocities in Poland.

Nawrocki plans to introduce legislation to ban the promotion of Bandera, equating his symbols with Nazi and Soviet symbols, which risks offending Ukrainian public sentiment.

Nawrocki's office opposes privileged treatment for foreigners and plans to propose a new legal framework, leading to a legislative deadlock between the presidency and the government.