A Ukrainian couple—a 20-year-old woman and her 21-year-old boyfriend—were assaulted in the Polish city of Wrocław. According to the victim’s mother, the attack was triggered by her daughter’s Ukrainian accent.

On July 27, Wrocław Mayor Jacek Sutryk expressed his “concern and outrage” over the “brutal attacks” in the city, a day after the young Ukrainian couple was beaten. Sutryk’s statement was published on his Facebook page.

“I am publishing my appeal to you, the residents of our city, in connection with the recent shocking events. I learned with deep concern and outrage about the brutal attacks in Wrocław, which, according to the available information, were motivated by national hatred,” the mayor wrote. According to him, the crime is “no longer just an isolated incident, but an alarming signal to which the residents of Wrocław must respond firmly and decisively.”

Sutryk expressed hope that “those responsible will be promptly apprehended and held accountable for their actions,” and also called on residents to show “solidarity and responsibility.”

“I also appeal to politicians and public figures who—whether deliberately or irresponsibly—promote narratives based on fear, prejudice, and division. Words matter. Public rhetoric that labels people as ‘outsiders’ or ‘second-class citizens’ can lead to real violence,” he stressed.

At the same time, Sutryk’s post did not explicitly mention the attack that prompted his statement. However, the mayor’s appeal was published the day after local media reported the beating of the 20-year-old woman and her 21-year-old boyfriend from Ukraine.

One eyewitness recorded the assault from the balcony of a nearby building. There were three attackers, and according to Radio Wrocław, one of them may be connected to a local martial arts club. After the assault, the attackers fled the scene, while the victims were taken to hospital.

The young woman suffered a torn ear and a deep cut on her neck. Her boyfriend sustained severe bruises. Investigators believe brass knuckles and a small knife may have been used during the attack. Local police are searching for the suspects.

The exact cause of the conflict that led to the assault remains unclear. One version suggests that the attackers attempted to cut in line at a store, prompting the woman to confront them. According to the victim’s mother, her daughter’s Ukrainian accent provoked the attackers’ aggression.

After the video of the assault spread online, the Ukrainian Consulate in Wrocław called on Polish law enforcement authorities to respond swiftly.

“We are forced to state that recently acts of violence and aggression against Ukrainian citizens have become more frequent in Poland. <…> Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has already instructed the Consulate General to urgently take the necessary response measures,” the consulate said in a Facebook post.

Following Mayor Sutryk’s statement, the Ukrainian Consulate expressed its “sincere gratitude” to him for his “prompt, clear, and principled response” to the recent acts of violence against Ukrainian citizens.

“The Consulate General of Ukraine in Wrocław continues to cooperate with the competent Polish authorities and highly appreciates the support of the city administration in protecting the rights and safety of Ukrainian citizens,” the statement said.