When Language Turns Deadly: A Bronx-Brooklyn Tragedy
In a harrowing incident that underscores the profound human cost of prejudice—even within immigrant communities—Andrii Meleshkov, a 36-year-old Ukrainian truck driver living in Brooklyn, was stabbed during a night out in April 2022 at a Sheepshead Bay karaoke bar. The attacker, Oleg Sulyma, also Ukrainian, angrily accused Meleshkov of “looking Russian” simply for speaking Russian—a language spoken by many Ukrainians, especially those from eastern regions. Sulyma demanded proof of his Ukrainian identity. When Meleshkov and his friends switched to Ukrainian, Sulyma insisted they pronounce “palianytsia,” a tongue-twister that Russians are said to struggle with, before violently attacking them—even though they complied. The assault left Meleshkov with slash wounds to his face and neck, requiring 17 stitches, and sparked hate-crime charges against Sulyma (ADN América, The Times of India, NBC New York).
This brutal episode brings into sharp relief how war-related tensions can radiate into diaspora communities, fracturing bonds among people who share origins. It highlights the tragic power of stereotypes and fear, and how language—rather than uniting us—can become a weapon.
Let this serve as a reminder: our words, actions, and assumptions matter. Even within our communities, we must guard against internalized prejudice. Every person deserves respect and safety—regardless of how they speak or where they come from.
Let’s honor Meleshkov’s survival by standing against hate in all its forms. No language—no accent—should ever be a ticket to violence.
