Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky promised UK attack drones during London visit

The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised hundreds of new long-range attack drones for Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the UK yesterday.

Government officials have stated that the weapons are “critical in helping the country defend itself against the relentless bombardment of its national infrastructure” by Vladimir Putin’s army.

The visit comes ahead of the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland, which Mr Sunak is due to attend and Mr Zelensky will address virtually, as well as the G7 Summit in Japan. Mr Sunak will use the gatherings to push for sustained support for Ukraine in the fight against the Russian army.

It also comes as Ukrainian forces began to seize back ground in Bakhmut, which has seen some of the fiercest fighting in Europe since the Second World War. Moscow admitted on Friday that Russian troops had retreated to “more favourable positions” near the Berkhivka reservoir northwest of Bakhmut.

(The Evening Standard)

Polish government to increase its flagship child benefit from 500+ to 800+

The governing Law & Justice party leader, Jarosław Kaczyński made the announcement during the party’s convention in Warsaw on Sunday. Under the new plan, dubbed 800+, the government is to increase childbenefit to 800 PLN a month per child, up from 500 PLN.

Kaczyński also announced that retired people over 65, as well as children under 18, will be entitled to free prescriptions, which has long been the case in many countries, including the UK.

The Law and Justice leader also said the government is to make highways and expressways across the country free of charge.

(IAR / Polskie Radio)

Thousands of Poles are leaving the UK and returning home to booming Polish economy

The Polish economy is growing so fast – by 4.9 per cent last year – that it is set to overtake Britain’s by 2030 according to a report earlier this month published by the UK Telegraph. Poles previously made up 23 per cent of EU migrants in the UK, and about 10,500 Poles worked in the NHS, its fourth largest non-British nationality.

Among other areas of growth, Poland’s capital Warsaw has become a tech hub where Google and Netflix are among the big US firms setting up offices. There are even now Facebook groups, forums and blogs about Poles returning home from the UK – and it is also the fifth favourite place for UK pensioners to retire to.

The cost of living crisis in the UK has been a major factor for Poles moving back to their country of origin, as well as both rental and property prices being more affordable compared to average wages.

(Polskie Radio / The Sun)

Robert Lewandowski goals inspire Barcelona to the Spanish La Liga title

Barcelona claimed their 27th La Liga title and their first for four years on Sunday after two first-half goals from Robert Lewandowski spurred them to a comfortable 4-2 victory over local rivals Espanyol.

Barcelona have scored 64 goals so far this season, owing much to the league’s leading marksman Lewandowski. The Polish legend is on course to receive the Pichichi award for most goals scored in what was his debut season in Spain, having netted 21 times, four more goals than Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.

Barcelona has won 27 out of 34 games this season, thanks largely on an outstanding defence, which has conceded only 13 goals, by far the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues.

(Reuters)

The weather

Today will be mostly cloudy and breezy. Moderate winds will come in from the west. Cloud cover will range between 75-80%, with sunset at 8:45pm. Daytime temperatures will see a high of 18°C , that’s 64°F, with expected lows of 7°C, 45°F overnight. Tomorrow and the rest of the week will remain cloudy with sunny spells but with slightly lower temperatures.

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