Polish PM condemns Wrocław attack on Ukrainian couple as hate crime, urges crackdown on violence

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has strongly condemned a violent attack on a Ukrainian couple in Wrocław, calling for an end to hate crimes against Ukrainians in Poland. The assault, which occurred on Sunday, has prompted a government response and renewed concerns about xenophobic incidents in the country.
The victims, a young Ukrainian woman and her partner, were reportedly followed and assaulted by several men after leaving a shop near their home in Wrocław. The attack was motivated by their accent, according to reports. Video footage circulated on social media shows the men beating the couple, with the woman being struck on the head with a knuckle duster and suffering injuries to her ear. The man was kicked while lying on the ground.
Police have arrested two suspects, both of whom have previous convictions for similar offenses. Prosecutors in Wrocław have asked a court to place the two men in pretrial detention for three months. A third suspect remains at large.
Tusk emphasized that violence based on nationality has no place in Poland and that the country must remain committed to protecting everyone living within its borders. He urged authorities to prosecute offenders and stressed that attacks on Ukrainians run counter to Poland's national interests. Tusk also called on Polish President Karol Nawrocki to break his silence on the matter and address the activities of radical groups.
The incident has renewed debate over the safety of Ukrainian refugees and workers across Poland. Ukrainians play an important role in sectors including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and transport. Community leaders say preventing hate crimes is essential for maintaining public confidence and ensuring successful integration.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has instructed the consulate in Wrocław to take all necessary response measures and called for an impartial investigation. He also urged "certain Polish politicians" not to further stoke hostilities, in an apparent reference to Nawrocki.
Poland has been a strong ally of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees. However, recent isolated attacks have raised concerns among Ukrainian community groups and human rights organizations.
Tusk warned that the rise in violence threatens not only Ukrainians but also Polish citizens, as attacks by Polish citizens against fellow Poles are becoming more frequent. He stressed that Poland must declare a determined war on violence, as thugs and hooligans have grown bolder with political patronage.
The Polish government is expected to continue working with local authorities and Ukrainian organizations to strengthen protections for vulnerable communities while reinforcing the country's support for Ukraine.
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