**Ukrainian Man Stabs Five at Polish Convent**
A violent incident unfolded on Thursday morning at a Catholic convent in southeastern Poland, resulting in multiple injuries. Local police reported that a 31-year-old Ukrainian man attacked five individuals at the Benedictine Sisters’ abbey in Jaroslaw, located in the Podkarpackie region, which shares a border with Ukraine.
The stabbing occurred around 9:30 AM while clergy members were preparing for Mass. According to police statements, the victims included four men and one woman. Reports indicate that among the injured are three priests and two laypeople. Tragically, one clergyman has been confirmed dead, while two others are in critical condition.
The assailant was apprehended at the scene and is believed to have used a kitchen knife during the attack. As of now, investigators are still working to determine the motive behind this violent act.
This incident comes at a time when Polish attitudes toward Ukrainian refugees have been shifting. A recent report from the polling agency CBOS revealed a notable decline in support for accepting Ukrainian refugees, with 52% of Poles now opposing their acceptance, compared to 42% in favor. This marks a significant change from the overwhelming support of 94% recorded shortly after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022.
In response to the changing public sentiment, the Polish government has begun to scale back some of the special arrangements that were put in place for Ukrainian refugees following the onset of the war. Earlier this year, Poland transitioned from a separate refugee support system for Ukrainians to a general system for foreigners under temporary protection, which has included restrictions on access to certain benefits.
The ongoing historical disputes between Poland and Ukraine, particularly regarding the WWII-era Volhynia massacres and the legacy of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), have contributed to a decline in the belief among Poles that reconciliation with Ukrainians is possible. According to CBOS data published in September, only 53% of Poles believe reconciliation can be achieved, while 38% feel it is impossible.
The stabbing incident at the convent has further complicated the already tense atmosphere surrounding Polish-Ukrainian relations. Authorities continue to investigate the attack while the community grapples with the implications of this tragic event.