It was supposed to be a formality. Amendments extending the law on aid to Ukrainian refugees in Poland – first passed in March 2022 in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine – had, until now, always received the approval of the head of state. On Monday, August 25, the new nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki, who took office on August 6 and has been in open conflict with the pro-European, center-right government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, vetoed the latest bill.

"We remain open to helping Ukrainian citizens (…). The strategic objective of the Polish state in the face of Russia's attack on Ukraine also remains unchanged (…). The Russian Federation is the author of this war and Ukraine is its victim. (…) But after three and a half years, our legislation should be reviewed," Nawrocki said on Monday at a press conference. The president, who also refused to sign two other fiscal bills, immediately submitted his own proposal. That draft would make the 800 zloty (188 euros) family allowance – known as "800+" – as well as access to public healthcare, available only to Ukrainians who are employed and pay contributions in Poland.

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