Andrej Babis's recent election victory in Czechia makes some Ukrainian refugees there fear they could become targets of a growing anti-immigrant sentiment, despite their legal status and contribution to the economy.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, thousands fled abroad.
Among them was 21-year-old law student Diana Harnyk. She settled in Prague, where she learned Czech, began a new degree in political science and found work as an HR assistant.
Nearly three years later, however, a dramatic political shift in the Czech Republic has left Diana — and many other Ukrainians — fearful of what the future holds.
The victory of populist leader Andrej Babis, who looks very likely to form a government with the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD) and the euroskeptic right-wing nationalist Motorists for Themselves party, has caused alarm among the country's large Ukrainian refugee community.
Since the war began, more than 350,000 Ukrainians have sought protection in Czechia, many of whom have started to rebuild their lives there.
Now, however, because Babis's likely coalition partners are known for their anti-immigration stance and because of calls to review protection for refugees, many fear that the atmosphere of welcome and support could soon change.
Author: Haris Jeelani Toogo
Independent multimedia journalist and documentary filmmaker
First published: October 28, 2025
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