Ukraine’s foreign minister has urged Polish authorities to take firm action against xenophobic behaviour following reports that a Ukrainian schoolgirl was verbally abused by classmates at a
private school in Warsaw.
In a Facebook post, Andrii Sybiha said Poland must ensure “fair and exemplary” punishment for those responsible, describing the reported treatment of the girl as unacceptable. He added that Ukrainian authorities were closely monitoring the case.
“It is unfortunate that we have to return again and again to the shameful treatment of Ukrainians in Poland. But the approach taken towards Daria is absolutely unacceptable,” Sybiha wrote.
The comments relate to the alleged bullying of 15-year-old Daria Gladyr, daughter of Ukrainian volleyball player Yurii Gladyr. Polish media have published recordings in which teenagers can be heard directing verbal abuse at the girl, including xenophobic slurs.
According to Onet Przegląd Sportowy, which first reported the incident, Daria was ultimately expelled from the school after her parents refused to pay tuition fees, insisting the school should respond more decisively and separate their daughter from those who had bullied her.
Sybiha said he had raised the issue directly with Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to Warsaw. “I received assurances that the Polish side would respond appropriately,” he said.
“As Ukraine’s foreign minister, I insist on just punishment for those who engage in xenophobic acts against Ukrainians, both in Poland and in other countries,” Sybiha added. “Ukrainians definitely do not deserve such an attitude.”
The case comes amid signs of a broader shift in public sentiment in Poland, where opinion polls indicate growing negativity towards Ukrainians, who make up the country’s largest immigrant community.
Yurii Gladyr, a former member of Ukraine’s national volleyball team, currently plays for Polish club Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie. He acquired Polish citizenship in 2013. Photo by President.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.