Attack on Ukrainian in Wroclaw
On July 4, in the Polish city of Wroclaw, a group of men assaulted a 19-year-old Ukrainian after overhearing him speak Ukrainian on the phone. The incident took place in the evening on Slodowa Island, where the victim was talking on his phone. According to witnesses, the attackers demanded his e-cigarette, then knocked him to the ground and beat him with their fists and feet.
The young man sustained serious injuries, including a broken nose, two fractured nasal bones, spinal damage, and extensive bruising. Medics assessed his condition as moderate. Friends of the victim called both the police and an ambulance. The assailants managed to flee before law enforcement arrived.
A formal complaint about the beating was filed on Monday, July 7, by the victim and his parents at the Wroclaw-Olbin police station. Aleksandra Frejus, press officer for the Wroclaw police, confirmed that the station had registered a possible crime related to the assault on the youth. Initially, the incident was classified as a fight.
Victim’s Account
The victim described the attack in detail: 'They started hitting me in the head. I couldn’t see anything, I couldn’t defend myself because my shirt was half pulled off, and they covered my face so that I was blind. They kicked me, broke my nose and two nasal bones. My nose was covered in blood, I was drenched in blood, my shirt was torn, and they ripped off my necklace. Then, after it all, when the police arrived and stopped the scuffle, I heard—and my friends heard too—that they were laughing after walking away from me, saying they had beaten a Ukrainian.'
This attack has sparked public discussion, as Ukrainian-Polish relations have become a major topic of public debate. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, warned of a possible new phase of tension between Kyiv and Warsaw ahead of the anniversary of the Volyn tragedy. Ukrainian lawmaker Mykola Knyazhytsky emphasized that Russia is actively trying to drive a wedge between Ukrainians and Poles.
The Wroclaw incident highlights growing strains in Ukrainian-Polish relations, particularly against the backdrop of historical grievances and modern political challenges. Assaults on foreigners—especially Ukrainians—in Poland could negatively affect Ukraine’s image in society and damage bilateral ties. It is crucial that law enforcement thoroughly investigate this case and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The recent violent incident in Wroclaw has raised concerns about the safety of Ukrainians in Poland, particularly in light of another alarming event involving the Ukrainian community. A Ukrainian-run establishment in Warsaw was set on fire, further highlighting the growing tensions and hostility faced by Ukrainians abroad. For more details on this troubling trend, see our coverage of the arson attack on a Ukrainian restaurant in Warsaw.