UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the leaders of several leading EU member states were in Kyiv on Thursday to reiterate and reinforce Europe’s solidarity with Ukraine.
German, French, Italian, and Romanian leaders pledged their countries’ support for Ukraine’s EU candidate status, along with military equipment deliveries, during their meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky in Kyiv.
France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Olaf Scholz, Italy’s Mario Draghi, and Romania’s Klaus Iohannis also toured the town of Irpin, near Kiyv, which has been the scene of heavy fighting and was destroyed by Russian attacks.
According to the Reuters news agency, „the tour was designed to highlight what Ukraine and its backers say were large-scale atrocities committed by Russian troops.”
Germany’s Scholz was quoted as saying that the town witnessed „unimaginable cruelty” and „senseless violence,” with France’s Macron calling Irpen a „heroic city…marked by the stigma of barbarism.”
The visits took place ahead of this month’s summits of the EU, NATO, and the Group of Seven (G7).
Source: Radio Poland, Reuters
European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen announced yesterday that the Commission officially recommends Ukraine and Moldova be granted European Union candidate status.
„Ukraine before the war had already embarked on its way towards the European Union,” von der Leyen explained, adding that for the last eight years, the country had gradually been moving closer to the bloc and had already implemented „roughly 70 percent” of EU rules, standards, and norms.
„Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective,” von der Leyen announced. „We want them to live with us the European dream.”
Following the Commission’s recommendations, Ukraine and Moldova’s applications for EU membership are set to be discussed at the upcoming European Council June 23-24. All 27 EU member states will now have to unanimously agree on candidate status for the two countries in order to move forward.
Source: Radio Poland, Reuters
Two of Poland’s tennis superstars, Iga Świątek and retired former world No. 2 Agnieszka Radwańska, are reportedly organizing an exhibition tournament to raise funds for Ukraine.
According to an article in Sports Illustrated, the charity exhibition match will be held on July 23 in Kraków, with both tennis stars expected to play during the tournament.
Świątek has expressed support for Ukraine in various interviews, even competing with a ribbon in the colors of the Ukrainian flag pinned to her hat.
In a post-match speech following her recent French Open victory, Świątek sent a message of support for Ukrainians, telling them to „stay strong” amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.
Source: Radio Poland
Polish tennis star Hubert Hurkacz has advanced to the semi-finals of the Halle Open tennis tournament in Germany after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 7-6, 7-6 yesterday.
The fifth-seeded Pole will face off against Nick Kyrgios of New Zealand today at 15:50 for a chance to advance to the finals.
Source: atptennis.com
The annual ten-day Sea Festival in Gdynia kicked off yesterday with a symbolic laying of a wreath at sea to commemorate those who lost their lives at sea or in service to the state.
This year’s Sea Festival consists of over 40 events that will take place over ten days. The program includes regattas, visiting ships, a sailing parade, concerts and exhibitions at venues around the city, and interesting events at cultural institutions and maritime schools.
A popular 60s and 70s-themed car show, the „Dancing Sea Festival,” will be held tomorrow (June 19) beginning at noon in front of the Naval Museum.
While open to all, many attractions must be booked in advance due to the limited number of places.
A complete list of Sea Festival events is available >>> HERE.
Source: Radio Gdańsk
Weather
Today will be partly cloudy and hot, with very little chance of rain and a light breeze coming in from the southwest. Temperatures will peak around a high of 27°C, or 81°F, dropping to an overnight low of 14°C or 58°F. Much cooler weather is expected tomorrow, with a chance for rain on Monday and Tuesday.
Posłuchaj:
Elizabeth Peck/MarWer
