Two Ukrainian women in Nice ended up being beaten up by a Ukrainian man after both parties apparently mistook each other for Russians.
The injured women told local media outlet Nice-Matin that their assailant was Russian and that he attacked them because they were listening to a song that featured Ukrainian lyrics and anti-Russian slogans.
However, when the authorities detained the suspect, it turned out that he is a former Ukrainian serviceman, the media outlet reveals.
The suspect - who at present faces a fine of 45,000 euro ($45,000) and up to three years in jail - told authorities he thought the women he assaulted were Russian. He also reportedly claimed that the women insulted him before the altercation, and that he regrets his actions and is willing to compensate his victims.