Poland expels 63 Ukrainians, Belarusians over concert troubles

AFP
By AFP August 13, 2025 12:07 (EAT)
Add as a Preferred Source on Google
Poland expels 63 Ukrainians, Belarusians over concert troubles

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on March 28, 2024 (Wojtek Radwanski / AFP)

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that Poland will expel 63 Ukrainians and Belarusians for causing trouble at a rap concert.

The individuals were behind "disturbances, aggressive behaviour and certain provocations" at a Warsaw performance on Saturday by Belarusian rapper Max Korzh, Tusk told reporters.

The 57 Ukrainians and six Belarusians "will have to leave the country voluntarily or by force", Tusk said, adding that everyone must respect the law no matter their nationality.

Poland "cannot allow anti-Ukrainian sentiments to be stirred up," added Tusk, whose country has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion.

"A conflict between Poland and Ukraine would certainly be a gift for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."

Footage shared online showed spectators storming the arena during Saturday's rap show at the national stadium. Local media reported there were 70,000 people there.

Police said in a statement that "officers detained 109 people for numerous offenses and crimes such as drug possession, assaulting security personnel, possession and carrying of pyrotechnic devices, and trespassing on the grounds of a mass event."

Social media images appeared to show a concert-goer waving the flag of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a guerilla group that aligned itself with Nazi Germany. The symbol is banned under Polish law.

"We saw that various flags and symbols were displayed there," police spokesman Robert Szumiata told independent news channel TVN24. "We collected all this evidence and sent it to the prosecutor's office."

Join the Discussion

Share your perspective with the Citizen Digital community.

Moderation applies

Sign In to Publish

No comments yet

This discussion is waiting for your voice. Be the first to share your thoughts!