THE IMPACT OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE ON THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN POLAND

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has profoundly affected the geopolitical and socio-economic landscape of Central and Eastern Europe, with Poland positioned at the center of regional transformation processes. As Ukraine’s largest neighbor on the western border and one of the most active supporters of Ukrainian sovereignty, Poland became a key transit, humanitarian, logistical, and political platform in the context of the war. These unprecedented circumstances significantly influenced Poland’s economic dynamics, labor market structure, public finances, foreign policy orientation, and internal political debates. The inflow of millions of Ukrainian refugees, changes in trade and energy routes, the reorientation of supply chains, and heightened security concerns reshaped national priorities and intensified cooperation within Euro-Atlantic institutions. Therefore, examining the multifaceted consequences of the war on Poland is essential for understanding the country’s strategic development under conditions of prolonged regional instability. The aim of the study is to analyze the economic and political implications of the war in Ukraine for Poland, identify structural shifts in national policies, evaluate the impact on macroeconomic performance and electoral preferences, and define long-term strategic consequences for regional stability and integration processes within the European Union and NATO. The study is based on a multidisciplinary methodological approach combining political analysis, economic evaluation, and comparative research. Statistical data from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS), Eurostat, and the World Bank are used to assess changes in GDP growth rates, inflation, employment, and public spending. Political developments are examined through content analysis of governmental statements, parliamentary debates, and policy documents. Comparative analysis with other EU member states helps contextualize Poland’s position within broader European responses to the war. The research also incorporates secondary sources from think tanks specializing in security studies, migration policy, and energy diversification. The findings demonstrate that the war has had both stabilizing and destabilizing effects on Poland’s economy and political environment. Economically, the arrival of more than one million Ukrainian refugees boosted labor supply, particularly in sectors with structural shortages, contributing to sustained employment levels and partially mitigating demographic decline. At the same time, increased public spending on humanitarian aid, military support, and social integration programs placed additional pressure on the national budget. Inflation accelerated due to disruptions in energy markets, although Poland’s rapid diversification away from Russian gas strengthened long-term energy security. Politically, the war deepened Poland’s role as a regional security leader and enhanced its standing within NATO and the EU. Support for Ukraine became a central element of foreign policy, strengthening ties with the United States and aligning Poland more closely with security-oriented EU members. Domestically, however, political discourse intensified, with parties differing on migration policy, defense expenditures, and the scope of state support for Ukrainian citizens. The war also influenced public opinion, increasing societal polarization regarding foreign policy priorities, economic burdens, and identity-related issues. The war in Ukraine significantly transformed Poland’s economic structure, labor dynamics, energy strategy, and political landscape. While short-term economic pressure and political polarization present challenges, long-term benefits include strengthened regional leadership, enhanced security cooperation, and a more diversified economic base. Poland’s strategic importance within Europe has increased, positioning the country as a critical actor in shaping the future architecture of regional security. Future research should focus on long-term labor market integration of Ukrainian migrants, the fiscal sustainability of support programs, and the evolution of Poland’s political alliances in the EU. Another important direction is assessing the impact of defense sector expansion on industrial modernization and economic growth.