Poles in the Soviet Union

The Polish minority in Soviet Union appeared after the creation of the USSR and the peace of Riga in 1921, after the Polish-Soviet war. Initially, the Poles were given 2 national Polish Soviet Republics, one in the Ukraine, one on the area of Byelorussia, but were subsequently deported to Kazakhstan in 1934-1938. Around 400 000 died from hunger. (see also genocide).

Later, during World War II, the Soviets occupied vast areas of eastern Poland (so called Kresy), another 5.2-6.5 million of Poles (from the total population of about 13,5 million of these territories) were added. Some claim that as many as 1.7 million of Poles were later deported to far away territories of USSR, such as Siberia. Other historians gave a much lower estimation, about half a million of Poles murdered and deported.

After World War II most of Poles from Kresy were expelled into Poland, but officially stated 1.3 mil stayed in USSR. Polish minority was one of the few, that number decreased over time, according to offical statistics. They also belonged to the least educated ethnic groups, that allegedly were caused by ethnic persecutions.

After 1989 started emigration of Poles, that survived in Kasakhstan. The number remaining is put between 50 000 and 100 000.

After 1991 Poles became minorities in Lithuania around 250 000 (7%of population), Bellorussia at least 300 000, Ukraine at least 150 000 and Russia more then 100 000.