The ordeal of 17-year-old Artiom has shocked all of Poland. On 10 July, the Ukrainian-born teenager was with friends at the Zakrzówek bathing site in Krakow when a group of young, unknown assailants attacked them. During the assault, Artiom was struck with a machete.

Artiom lost the thumb on his left hand and suffered head injuries. He was taken to the University Hospital in Krakow for treatment. The perpetrators fled the scene but were detained by police in the days following the attack. The suspects are aged 15, 16, and 17.

"All three teenagers were charged with participating in a beating with a dangerous instrument. The charges include hooliganism, which will result in aggravated penalties. Additionally, the oldest perpetrator was charged with causing bodily harm. At the request of the public prosecutor's office, the court ordered temporary custody for three months for the 17-year-old, who may be held criminally liable as an adult. The 15- and 16-year-olds will be dealt with by the family court," reads the statement from Krakow police.

The case attracted the interest of former city councillor Łukasz Wantuch, who set up a fundraiser for Artiom's treatment and rehabilitation. "As I was leaving the hospital, I couldn't stop thinking about the brutality of the attack. What kind of person does this to another? We must respond to this evil with good. Every zloty will go to Artiom's mother. I will post a full account on my Facebook page after the fundraising ends, as I have done with previous collections," Wantuch wrote in the fundraiser description.

The collection for Artiom was a huge success. By 21 July, the day the contributions ended, over PLN 200,000 had been raised. Support for the injured Ukrainian came from 3,359 people.