Polish authorities have apprehended five individuals aged 15 to 18 following a violent attack on three Ukrainian teenagers on Warsaw’s Świętokrzyski Bridge, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation.
Police Response and Arrests
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński announced the detention of five Polish citizens following the brutal assault on three Ukrainian teenagers. Police are currently processing evidence to be handed over to the prosecutor’s office.
Kamil Sobótka of the Warsaw Metropolitan Police confirmed that criminal and investigative units were involved in the operation. Officials stated that due to the ongoing investigation, further details cannot be disclosed at this time.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred on May 7 around 6:30 p.m. while 16-year-old Artem and his friends were walking across the bridge. Witnesses reported that a group of approximately ten attackers approached the victims, who were conversing in Ukrainian and Russian, and began to provoke them.
Artem was hospitalized with a fractured skull and severe facial injuries. One of the other victims suffered a broken nose, while attackers reportedly attempted to throw a second teenager over the bridge railings.
Conflicting Motive Reports
Witnesses claim the attackers shouted anti-Ukrainian slogans during the assault. While victims suggest the attack was motivated by their language and nationality, initial police communications stated that evidence gathered did not yet confirm a nationalistic motive.
Social activist Marina Hulia noted that the victims believe the intervention of passing police officers prevented a lethal outcome. The attackers fled the scene only after police were alerted by witnesses.
Public Condemnation
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski condemned the violence, calling the incident deeply distressing. He emphasized that the city must remain a safe and tolerant environment for all residents and guests.
Trzaskowski suggested that aggressive rhetoric against Ukrainian guests can embolden criminal behavior. He affirmed that there is no tolerance for such actions in the capital.
