They spoke Ukrainian and were attacked. Brutal incident on a tram in Poznań [Video]

A brutal attack occurred on tram No. 13 in Poznań. Two aggressive men attacked a Ukrainian citizen simply because he spoke Ukrainian to his partner. The incident occurred in broad daylight, in a public place, in full view of other passengers.

According to a witness who posted the video on social media, the violence began with vulgar insults and threats. The attackers allegedly shouted that the Ukrainian man should “leave our women alone” and stop speaking a foreign language. Moments later, physical violence erupted—the man was thrown to the floor, kicked, and punched. His partner, who tried to defend him, was also injured. – source: Andrzej Pereka – Poznań City Councilor

Passengers reacted, aggressors threatened other people

Witnesses to the incident did not remain passive. Initially, they responded verbally, trying to calm the situation. However, when the attackers attacked the Ukrainian, some passengers tried to physically separate them.

In response, the attackers reportedly stated that they were “doing it for everyone” and that others should support them. They also made threats against those trying to help the victim.

After exiting the tram, the injured couple fled the scene. One witness offered to help call the police and gather additional witnesses. However, the couple decided not to report the incident, although the witness provided them with his phone number in case he changed his mind.

Attack on language. A line that has been crossed.

This incident once again demonstrates that acts of violence motivated by hatred are occurring in Poland, including against people who legally reside, work, and live in the country. In this case, the aggression was motivated not by any threatening behavior, but by the mere use of the Ukrainian language in public spaces.

Experts have emphasized for years that such incidents, if left unpunished, lead to an escalation of violence. Victims’ silence—often stemming from fear, distrust of institutions, or exhaustion from constantly explaining themselves—facilitates impunity for perpetrators.

This isn’t an “incident.” It’s a warning sign.

Although some in the public eye attempt to downplay similar incidents as “isolated incidents,” their number and brutality are causing growing concern. The attack on the Poznań tram wasn’t a personal conflict or a brawl between random individuals. It was an act of aggression directed at a specific individual based on his origin and language.

It’s worth emphasizing one thing: responsibility lies with the perpetrators, not their nationality. Such behavior—regardless of whether committed by a Pole, a Ukrainian, or a citizen of another country—must be met with a clear response from the state and society.

Reaction is needed, not indifference

The recording from the tram was published “as a warning,” as the author emphasizes, and in the hope that someone will recognize the aggressors. It is also a call to public opinion: hate-motivated violence will not disappear on its own.

If such incidents go unaddressed, more people will fall victim—Ukrainians today, others tomorrow. Safety in public spaces is not a given. It requires clear boundaries and zero tolerance for violence.

Mikele Bakhur

Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Nowiny Wschodnie, a news platform followed by more than 140,000 people on social media. A graduate in Journalism and Social Communication, he has been co-creating and developing Nowiny Wschodnie since 2017. He gained professional experience working with local and international media.

He specializes in fact-checking, countering disinformation and propaganda, and information security. His work focuses on Poland, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Polish-Ukrainian relations. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization working in the fields of integration and intercultural dialogue.

m.bakhur@nowinywschodnie.pl