Krzysztof Matyszczak, a trainer at the Black Belt Krav Maga club in Warsaw, has noticed a shift in the demographics of his students. Since the war in Ukraine began, more Ukrainian women have been attending self-defense classes. At present, about 10 percent of the women at his club are Ukrainian. This increase reflects a growing awareness of personal safety among Ukrainian women living in Poland, especially in light of the ongoing conflict. Julia, a 22-year-old Ukrainian woman who has lived in Warsaw for 15 years, describes experiencing increasing hostility in her daily life. She says that speaking Ukrainian on the phone can lead to unwanted attention, and people often tell her to return to Ukraine. Despite being in Poland for over a decade, Julia still faces stereotypes that associate her with her country of origin. For example, when she goes clubbing on weekends, men often assume she is there to flirt, and if she refuses a dance or a drink, she is sometimes called a "Ukrainian prostitute." These experiences highlight the challenges of being a Ukrainian woman in Poland, where negative perceptions are growing. A recent study by the CBOS foundation, a well-known Polish research organization, shows that public opinion about Ukrainians is becoming more negative. According to a survey conducted in February 2025, 43 percent of Poles expressed aversion toward Ukrainians, a rise from 38 percent in the previous year and 30 percent in 2024. This trend indicates a growing divide between Poles and Ukrainians, which many, like Julia, believe is directly linked to the war in Ukraine. Julia believes that the increasing hostility she faces is a direct result of the ongoing conflict. While many Ukrainians have found refuge in Poland, some Poles have developed negative attitudes, which are reflected in everyday interactions. Julia’s experiences underscore the complex social dynamics between the two communities and the impact of war on personal relationships and public perception.