ukrainian tourist — A 22-year-old Ukrainian tourist has been arrested at Larnaca airport in connection with a violent assault that occurred on New Year’s Day in Limassol. The incident took place at approximately 5 am at a nightclub on Saripolou Street, where the suspect allegedly struck a 29-year-old man in the face with a glass, resulting in serious injuries.
The sequence of events began when the complainant visited the nightclub to celebrate the New Year with friends. After stepping away to use the toilet, he encountered the suspect, whom he had met days earlier. Following a brief exchange of New Year’s greetings, tensions escalated, leading to a physical confrontation.
Witnesses reported that the suspect began provoking the complainant, which culminated in a push between the two men. The altercation continued outside the venue, where the suspect reportedly retrieved a glass object from his jacket and struck the complainant, inflicting severe facial injuries.
Emergency services transported the victim to a private hospital, where medical examinations revealed multiple fractures, including a frontal sinus fracture and a skull base fracture. He was subsequently admitted for treatment, highlighting the gravity of the assault.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police reviewed CCTV footage from the nightclub, capturing the moment before the attack. This footage showed the suspect reaching into his jacket just prior to the assault. Following the incident, the complainant identified a 29-year-old Ukrainian man as the perpetrator, who had left Cyprus shortly after the assault.
Law enforcement launched an investigation, leading to an arrest warrant being issued for the suspect. He was listed as wanted by police, who later tracked him down upon his return to Larnaca airport on February 13, 2026. Authorities allege that the suspect had assumed no complaint would be filed against him, which proved to be incorrect.
Upon his arrest, police took the suspect to Limassol CID offices for questioning. He is currently under investigation for grievous bodily harm, while officers continue to seek three additional individuals believed to have been involved in the incident. The inquiry remains active, with further statements and an identification parade planned.
