Ukrainian TV Presenter Olga Freimut Greeted with ‘Slava Putin!’ Chants in Warsaw
Ukrainian TV presenter Olga Freimut experienced an unexpected and hostile reception while in the Polish capital, Warsaw. The incident, which Freimut shared on her social media account, highlights growing tensions between Poland and Ukraine.
According to Freimut, locals targeted her with abuse and profanities after hearing her speak in Ukrainian. "I was greated with a ‘warm’ welcome in Warsaw – this is the reaction I got from a taxi driver when I spoke to him in Ukrainian," she recounted.
In a video Freimut shared, a heated exchange can be heard, with a Polish man shouting, "Go back to Ukraine, b**ch, glory to Putin!" Elderly Polish women were also seen making obscene gestures and telling Freimut to leave the country.
The incident comes amidst deteriorating relations between Poland and Ukraine, sparked by recent historical and political disputes. While Polish officials have not publicly addressed the incident, it has sparked outrage and calls for solidarity with Ukrainians among many in Ukraine.
Update: Since this incident, Freimut has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from Ukrainians and condemned the actions of those who targeted her.
This story serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated tensions between Poland and Ukraine, which continue to affect their diplomatic relations and, as seen here, daily interactions between their people.
