Poland’s foreign minister has called for EU action to support Ukraine amidst growing tensions with Russia.
Speaking at a video conference of EU foreign ministers on Monday, Zbigniew Rau, Poland’s top diplomat, called for „concrete steps” to support Ukraine and prevent further escalation amidst what appears to be a massive build-up of Russian troops in the region.
As many as 150,000 Russian troops could be amassed at the country’s Ukrainian border, that’s according to an estimate by the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
Mr Borrell did not offer a source for the figure, but said the build-up appeared to be the largest gathering of Russian troops at the border to date. He added that the risk of further escalation was „evident”.
Tensions between Russia and the EU have been especially strained in recent weeks. Poland joined the Czech Republic last week in expelling a number of Russian diplomats over what Warsaw described as „hostile actions”. The move followed a similar step by the United States, which last Thursday imposed yet more sanctions on Russia over accusations of election interference and hacking by Russian agencies.
The troop build-up has raised fears conflict could break out in the region, but experts have said it is unlikely Russia is planning an invasion. Russian authorities insist the troops are there for training purposes.
Poland’s economy could be partially reopened in late May/early June, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Mr Morawiecki said Poland was nearing the „turning point” and could be able to reopen considerable parts of the economy before the summer season.
The Prime Minister added that whether or not the economy could be unfrozen would largely depend on the success of vaccination efforts. So far, roughly 2.3 million people have been fully vaccinated in Poland, with vaccination efforts continuing to accelerate as more doses arrive in the country.
There’s also more good news from countries with high vaccination rates. The UK, which came out of lockdown a week ago, yesterday reported just four COVID-19-related deaths – the lowest figure since last summer. The country hopes to have lifted all restrictions by late June. Israel, which has fully vaccinated nearly 60% of its population, on Sunday relaxed the requirement to wear facemasks in public as the country continues to see low rates of new cases and deaths more than two months after leaving lockdown.
A Polish ski-mountaineer is arriving today in Islamabad, Pakistan, ahead of a daredevil attempt to ski down two 6,000m peaks in the Karakoram mountain range.
Andrzej Bargiel, who hails from the foothills of the Polish Tatra mountains, is already well known among mountaineers for his record-setting ski down K2 – the world’s second-tallest mountain – in 2018. In 2015, Bargiel also became the first person to ski off the summit of the 8,000m Broad Peak, also in the Karakoram.
This time, Bargiel is targeting the summits of Laila Peak and Yawash Sar II – both over 6,000 metres tall. Over the coming month, the daredevil mountaineer and his team of four will first have to climb each peak – an achievement in its own right – before Bargiel skis back down to base camp.
In Gdansk, not one but two international maritime exhibitions are opening in the city today.
The InterMarE South Baltic exhibition, which brings together leaders in the commercial maritime sector, will be focusing on the future of the marine industry in the southern Baltic region, including the transition to sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, the Balt Military Expo will showcase the latest in naval technology as well as discussing marine defence and security issues in the Baltic.
Both exhibitions are taking place online due to restrictions, with events running through Thursday. Participation is free of charge but attendees must be registered beforehand.
Weather
A pleasant afternoon in the forecast today with plenty of sunshine and highs of 13C, or around 55F, with a light wind. UV index reaching 4, or „moderate”, this afternoon. Tomorrow looking warmer with no rain expected.
TH/am
