An incident that has sparked widespread resonance within the Ukrainian diaspora and diplomatic circles occurred in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz. On August 14, in a park area near the railway station, two underage Ukrainian citizens—a 14-year-old girl and her 12-year-old brother—became victims of a brutal attack by adults. The cause of the aggression was the children speaking Ukrainian, which provoked the displeasure of passersby.
Incident details and actions of the aggressors
According to information provided by the General Consulate of Ukraine in Gdańsk, the attackers were a man and a woman walking a dog. Upon noticing the children speaking Ukrainian, the aggressors began insulting them with profanity. The situation quickly escalated into physical violence: the adults not only threatened retribution based on national hostility but also inflicted physical injuries on the children. The incident took place in a public place, making it particularly alarming from a public safety perspective.
Reaction of diplomatic bodies and police
The General Consulate of Ukraine has taken the situation under special control. Diplomats are in constant contact with the mother of the injured children, providing her with legal and psychological support. An official report has already been filed with the Polish police regarding the attack. Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation and are searching for the attackers. The department has strongly condemned this act of xenophobia, calling it an unacceptable manifestation of intolerance.
Condition of the victims and context
Fortunately, the children's physical health is not in danger, although they have experienced severe emotional stress. This case is not isolated: just a few days prior, on August 5, in Krakow, a man threatened two Ukrainians and struck a woman in the face. Similar incidents have sparked mass protests in 22 cities in Poland under the slogan "Do not be indifferent." Participants in the rallies are demanding that authorities take stricter measures to protect foreigners from violence and xenophobia.
Action plan and appeals to witnesses
The issue of countering intolerance and ensuring the safety of Ukrainians will be a key topic at the planned meeting of the consulate with the leadership of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, city mayors, and police commanders. The General Consulate calls on anyone who may have witnessed the incident in Bydgoszcz or has information about the attackers to contact the police immediately. Diplomats emphasize that silence in such cases only encourages aggressors.
