© eabff / Depositphotos Thanks to the synchronized efforts of the individuals — a Ukrainian and a Polish citizen — the youngsters were rescued.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radosław Sikorski, conveyed his gratitude to the Ukrainian man who, in conjunction with a Polish individual, saved two girls from beneath the ice surface. He communicated details about the occurrence, which transpired in Bydgoszcz, on January 14 via the X platform.
“Being a Bydgoszcz local, I extend my thanks to Mr. Oleksandr. We will not permit Russian propaganda to compromise Polish-Ukrainian unity against the adversary that poses a threat to both our nations,” Sikorski stated.
Previously, Andriy Sybiga, the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the heroic deed of a Ukrainian national.
“Two nine-year-old girls — identical twins — plunged through the ice covering the city canal. Our countryman, Oleksandr, did not hesitate for a moment. He witnessed the incident from the bridge and acted without delay. Together with a local resident, he extracted the children from the freezing water, utilizing a branch and a shawl,” Sybiga recounted.
The men administered initial aid to the children pending the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
“Such acts serve as a reminder of the paramount importance of humanity,” the head of Ukrainian diplomacy continued. “Olexandr hails from Sloviansk, situated in the Donetsk region. He is a former law enforcement officer. He resides in Poland and is employed as a driver. At present, nearly a million Ukrainians are employed in Poland daily – they construct, provide medical care, operate vehicles, educate, remit taxes. And rescue lives. Ukrainians and Poles. Collaboratively. Without hesitation – they readily collaborate when circumstances demand,” Sybiga emphasized.
It is worth recalling that Russia and pro-Russian factions within Poland are endeavoring to instigate discord between our two peoples. The Polish General Staff issued a warning that the Russians are executing “intensive psychological campaigns” directed against Ukraine within Poland. Specifically, they are cultivating an atmosphere of apprehension pertaining to “Ukrainian claims” on Polish territory, fueling anti-Ukrainian sentiments, and “undertaking actions aimed at undermining favorable Polish-Ukrainian relations.”
“These actions are categorized into kinetic events (arson targeting Ukrainian vehicles, defacement of anti-war murals) and intense online narratives – on websites and individual accounts disseminating hate speech directed at Ukraine,” the Polish General Staff conveyed.
It is observed that there is a surge in anti-Ukrainian actions in locations where arms shipments or other support for Ukraine is facilitated (Gdynia, Gdansk).