Group disrupts lecture by historian and AFU veteran Vladyslav Starodubtsev in Lviv

Attack during attempt to hold public lecture

On Sunday, 18 October, an aggressive confrontation took place in Lviv, involving historian and Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) veteran Vladyslav Starodubtsev. According to the cultural organisation “INDEX: Institute of Documentation and Interaction”, the man was attacked by a group of approximately 20 people.

As noted by the institution where Starodubtsev researches the history of the socialist and labour movements in Ukraine and coordinates the veterans' direction, the attack was carried out with the aim of disrupting his lecture titled “Left Lviv: A Short History of an Ancient Tradition”. The planned speech was intended to explore the ideas of representatives of left-wing, national-democratic, and Christian movements whose names are preserved in the city's street names. Starodubtsev intended to highlight the views of these figures, particularly concepts of social equality, cooperation, and a classless society, to demonstrate the historical diversity of Lviv.

Victim's account and incident details

Vladyslav Starodubtsev himself described the events near the entrance to the venue in a conversation with hromadske. A group of about 15 people approached him, most of whom covered their faces with masks. Among them was an unmasked man, later identified as veteran Ihor Sholtys.

«Я, побачивши людей у масках, все-таки запропонував провести цивільну дискусію, можливо, висловити критику лекції та опонування. На що я отримав: "Ти цієї лекції тут проводити не будеш". "Таким як ти тут не раді", і "Виїжджай зі Львова"» (Seeing the people in masks, I still proposed holding a civil discussion, perhaps expressing criticism of the lecture and opposition. To which I received: 'You will not be holding this lecture here'. 'People like you are not welcome here', and 'Get out of Lviv'), the historian said.

After Starodubtsev refused to comply with the aggressors' demands, the beating continued. The attackers demanded that he apologise for his views, leave the city, and never appear there again.

«Через деякий час вони перестали бити, і вимагали ультимативно просити вибачення за мої погляди, виїжджати зі Львова, і більше не бути в "їхньому місті". Використовували обсценну лексику. На питання, яке право вони взагалі мають, відповіли: "бо можемо"» (After some time, they stopped beating me and issued an ultimatum demanding that I apologise for my views, leave Lviv, and never be in 'their city' again. They used obscene language. When asked what right they had to do so, they answered: 'because we can'), the veteran added.

After the physical violence, Starodubtsev documented the injuries sustained and contacted the law enforcement agencies.

Position of the organisation and disruptors

The INDEX organisation expressed support for Starodubtsev, calling the incident an attack on civil society and freedom of speech. They emphasised that Vladyslav's dedication to the cause inspires the team to develop the relevant direction of activity. The organisation calls on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and on the Lviv city authorities to react to the case of politically motivated violence and take appropriate measures.

It is worth noting that Starodubtsev has been working at INDEX since autumn, after completing his service in April 2026. Previously, at the age of 22, he signed a one-year contract with the AFU. Currently, he coordinates the Veterans' Programme and the Scholarship Programme for active-duty military personnel who help preserve the stories of defenders and support them in creating documentary projects.

Ihor Sholtys, who participated in the disruption of the event, publicly confirmed this action. He explained that he and like-minded individuals carried it out due to the organisers' views.

«Сьогодні нами скасовано захід антиукраїнської комуністичної організації, яка закликає суспільство до розформування Служби безпеки України та інших відомств, які захищають наш суверенітет» (Today we have cancelled an event by an anti-Ukrainian communist organisation that calls on society to dismantle the Security Service of Ukraine and other agencies that protect our sovereignty), Sholtys wrote. He also added that he would continue to oppose similar events until they are banned at the state level.

Law enforcement reaction

The Lviv Regional Police confirmed the fact of a fight between a group of individuals. The conflict resulted in bodily harm to a 23-year-old man, who was hospitalised.

Investigators opened a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism). This article provides for punishment in the form of restriction of liberty for a term of up to five years or deprivation of liberty for a term of up to four years.

Pre-trial investigation is currently ongoing, during which law enforcement officers are questioning the participants of the incident and establishing all the circumstances of the event.