Articles

Vol. 13 (2022)

Ukrainian citizens coming to Poland after 24 February 2022 — an outline of the legal issues

Pages: 249-264

PDF (Język Polski)

Abstract

On 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation brutally attacked neighbouring Ukraine militarily. Nobody expected any war to start in Europe in the 21st century. From the very beginning, the Polish government decided to support the Ukrainian nation and, as a matter of urgency, passed a special act on aid for Ukrainian citizens in connection with an armed conflict in the territory of that country. Like every legal act, this one also has its strengths and weaknesses. The article focuses on describing this special act, which was created in extraordinary circumstances, since Russia’s military aggression on the territory of Ukraine is such a circumstance. In a short time, Poland became a leader of support of the fraternal Ukrainian nation. In the legal aspect, the most important thing is that the help is compatible with the principles of a democratic country of law. Proper understanding and interpretation of this legal act will allow Poland to achieve the intended legal and moral effects.