Three more Ukrainian citizens assaulted in Poland: consulate reacts – photos

Ukraine's Consulate General in Wrocław said it is closely monitoring reports of an attack on three Ukrainian citizens in the town of Kożuchów in Poland's Lubusz Voivodeship. Polish law enforcement authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident and its possible motives.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Consulate General on Facebook; inPoland.net.pl, a Ukrainian news outlet in Poland

Quote from the Consulate: "The Consulate General of Ukraine strongly condemns any manifestations of hatred, violence and aggression. The Consulate General is in contact with the victims and with the relevant authorities and is willing to provide the necessary consular assistance to the affected Ukrainian citizens within the limits of its powers."

Details: The diplomatic mission urged Ukrainian citizens in Poland to "remain calm, not fall for any provocations and to contact the police and the Consulate General of Ukraine immediately in the event of any unlawful actions".

The victims told a journalist from inPoland.net.pl that the incident occurred at the hostel where they were staying at around 21:25 on 1 August.

That evening, the three Ukrainians were relaxing by a parked car. They said they were listening to Ukrainian, Polish and international music.

One of the victims said a passer-by confronted the group over the music. According to the victim, the exchange escalated into a verbal altercation between the man and another member of the group.

According to the victims, one of the attackers shouted, "Go back to Ukraine!" before leaving and returning with a group of men, after which a fight broke out.

On 2 August, the victims gave statements to the police. They said police had documented their injuries and were compiling the case file.

The victims also told investigators about a private CCTV camera mounted on a neighbouring building, which they believe may have captured the attack.

Police have not yet released any official information on the circumstances of the incident, its possible motives or whether any suspects have been arrested.

Background:

• On 1 August, officers from the Gdynia City Police's forensic unit detained a 76-year-old Polish man suspected of attacking a 40-year-old Ukrainian woman. He reportedly struck the woman twice on the head with a wooden walking stick before fleeing the scene.
• In Wrocław, a group of Polish men recently attacked a young Ukrainian couple, reportedly after hearing their accent. The perpetrators have been remanded in custody for three months.
• In response, Poland's Interior Ministry stressed that such actions would be met with an appropriate law enforcement response. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also called on President Karol Nawrocki to "break his silence" on the matter.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!