Speaking your native language with your brother or sister on the street is everyday life for thousands of Ukrainian families living abroad. In the Polish city of Bydgoszcz, for two children this everyday life ended on August 14 with an attack: two adults, a man and a woman, attacked a 14-year-old girl and her 12-year-old brother after hearing the children speaking Ukrainian to each other.
What happened
The incident took place in a park near the Bydgoszcz train station. According to the General Consulate of Ukraine in Gdańsk, the aggression started with obscene language and threats based on nationality. Later, the verbal conflict turned into physical violence.
The attackers twisted the 12-year-old boy's arm, broke a toy drone he was playing with, and then threw pieces of the toy at the child. The boy was left with scratches.
The children did not suffer serious physical injuries, but, as noted by the consulate, they experienced strong emotional stress.
Police and consulate reaction
A report was filed with the Polish police, and the case is under investigation. The attackers are currently being sought — they were free as of August 17, writes Novinky.cz.
The Ukrainian consulate in Gdańsk is in contact with the children's mother, providing the family with consular and legal support and monitoring the investigation's progress.
Attacks on Ukrainians in Poland are increasing
The case in Bydgoszcz is not isolated. In just the last few weeks, there have been reports of a physical attack on a Ukrainian couple in Wrocław and an attack on a Ukrainian woman in Gdynia.
Statistics from the Polish police confirm a worrying trend: in the first half of 2026, 180 reports of hate crimes against Ukrainians were registered. This is about 30% more than in the same period last year.
What to do if you are a victim or witness
If you or your children have experienced aggression based on nationality abroad:
- First, call the police and document the event — filing a report starts an investigation.
- Collect evidence: videos, photos of injuries, witness contacts.
- Contact the nearest Ukrainian consulate — consuls help with legal support and communication with local police.
For those living in Slovakia, we remind you: hate crimes are also criminally punishable here, and you should report them to the police. Important phone numbers and emergency service contacts are collected on our website — save them just in case.
