A chilling video of a woman physically attacking another woman aboard a Kyiv metro train went viral on social media, sparking outrage and casting doubts on public safety and political tensions in Ukraine.
The video shows a man wearing a white t-shirt slapping and kicking a woman within a packed metro car. When he slapped her, he slapped her with enough force that her head bumped against a pole. The train was packed with passengers, but very few of them intervened. One woman did intervene for a moment to push the man away, but the victim was subsequently dragged away by two other men.
The attack supposedly took place on July 17. Various sources indicate that the confrontation started when the woman shouted pro-Russian slogans on board the train, enraging other passengers.
Russian and Ukrainian Media Provide Different Accounts
Russia’s state-owned news agency RT uploaded the video with the comment, “She’s for Russia, so it’s okay,” suggesting the crowd applauded during the attack. The post attacked Ukraine’s Western-backed government, querying, “Is this what ‘democracy’ looks like under Ukraine’s Western-backed regime?”
Young woman beaten in Kiev metro — crowd cheers, says ‘she’s for Russia’ so it’s allowed
Is this what ‘democracy’ looks like under Ukraine’s Western-backed regime? pic.twitter.com/yTZTP4oljL
— RT (@RT_com) July 18, 2025
Ukrainian media, however, presented a different account of the incident. Citing eyewitnesses, news channel Pryamy said that the woman allegedly started shouting “anti-Ukrainian slogans,” including “Glory to Russia,” which infuriated fellow passengers. The report further stated she also used obscene language and deliberately instigated others.
The woman was later deboarded from the train after the altercation.
Police Launch Investigation, Identify Suspects
Ukrainian police discovered the attack through social media videos that circulated online quickly. Officials conducted a formal investigation and are identifying all those implicated in the attack.
“We ask people to respect laws. If you see a crime, report it to the police,” Ukrainian police officers released in a statement.
The authorities have also cautioned the public that any form of violence will not be accepted, and political differences must be tackled legally.
The incident has rekindled debates surrounding freedom of speech, national security, and public safety amid strained relations between Russia and Ukraine.
While investigations are ongoing, police have ensured that any legal action will be taken in line with the discoveries, and perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice.
