Prague police hunt suspect after brutal attack on Ukrainian woman

Authorities are investigating an alleged assault on a 34-year-old Ukrainian woman that occurred on June 12 in the Barrandov housing estate in southwest Prague, police confirmed.

The victim, Kateryna, a beautician originally from eastern Ukraine, told Czech media outlet Seznam Zprávy that the attack took place shortly after 3 p.m. while she was walking with a 15-year-old girl near a tram stop. The girl, the daughter of one of Kateryna’s clients, recorded part of the incident on her mobile phone.

According to Kateryna, the confrontation began when a man sitting nearby directed profanities at them in Russian. “He was shouting ‘Ukrainian sluts’ at us,” she said. When she asked him in Czech what he had said, the man stood up, blew cigarette smoke in her face, then began hitting and kicking her.

“I couldn’t defend myself. I weigh 50 kilos. I didn’t expect anyone to attack me like that,” Kateryna told the outlet. She sustained bruises to her head, left leg, and back, along with a cut lip, and was treated at a hospital following the incident.

The 50-second video, reviewed by Seznam Zprávy, shows a man estimated to be in his 20s or 30s physically attacking Kateryna before pushing her onto the road.

Police confirmed the investigation and said they are pursuing a lead. “We are investigating the case due to suspicion of disorderly conduct,” Prague police spokesman Jan Rybanský said in a statement. “We have information leading to a specific man who will be summoned for questioning.”

Kateryna, who fled to the Czech Republic shortly after the war in Ukraine began, said the attack has left her with lasting psychological effects, including anxiety and fear of leaving home. Her son, who witnessed the aftermath, was also reportedly traumatized.

“I hope the police catch him,” she said. “I’m worried for my safety and that of my family. I just want to feel safe again.”