Man attacks Ukrainians in Kraków, Polish police investigate
Photo: The suspect repeatedly used abusive and offensive language (video screenshot)
On August 5, an unidentified man threatened two Ukrainian nationals, verbally abused them, and struck a woman in Kraków. Polish police have launched an investigation, according to Wirtualna Polska and a statement from the Consulate General of Ukraine in Kraków.
According to Polish media, citing law enforcement officials, the incident occurred on Polonijna Street, near a popular shopping center.
Footage shared online shows a man wearing a blue T-shirt harassing two people of Ukrainian origin. After noticing he was being filmed, he began shouting, using abusive language, and chased one of the Ukrainian nationals. The video also appears to show the man striking a woman.
Following the attack, the victims immediately reported the incident to local police. Law enforcement officials told the media that they have not yet determined the legal classification of the offense.
Kompromitacja mężczyzny w Krakowie. Popchnął ukraińską dziewczynę i startował do słabszego od siebie Ukraińca, który musiał uciekać. Atakowanie słabszych nie ma nic wspólnego z męskością. To objaw kompleksów i wewnętrznych frustracji. Tak nie zachowują się Polacy z zasadami. pic.twitter.com/ffN3r6mFag
— Goniec.pl (@GoniecPL) August 7, 2026
They first plan to thoroughly review all available evidence and examine the circumstances of the incident. Only then will they decide whether the case should be classified as an assault or as incitement to hatred.
What the Ukrainian Consulate General says
The Consulate General of Ukraine in Kraków said it was deeply concerned about the latest attack on Ukrainian nationals in the city.
The mission also condemned all forms of aggression, xenophobia, discrimination, and the humiliation of people based on their nationality.
"Such behavior and rhetoric are unacceptable and require an appropriate response. The Consulate remains in contact with the competent Polish authorities. We expect a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident and a proper legal assessment of the actions of those involved," the statement said.
In light of the recent incidents, the Consulate General urged Ukrainians not to ignore threats, acts of aggression, xenophobia, or discrimination. Such cases should always be reported to Polish law enforcement authorities as well as to Ukrainian diplomatic missions.
"At the same time, we emphasize that isolated cases of aggressive behavior cannot serve as grounds for generalizing about Polish society as a whole. We highly value the solidarity and support that Poland and the Polish people continue to provide to Ukraine and Ukrainians," the Consulate added.
