Poland takes 1.3 million Ukrainian refugees and counting

Refugees from the conflict in Ukraine continue to flood into Poland, with 1.3 million having arrived by yesterday, according to the UN refugee agency.

On Tuesday alone, more than 125,000 people crossed from Ukraine into Poland.

Over 2 million people have fled from Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion two weeks ago today, and Poland has taken by far the biggest share.

The mayor of Przemyśl – a town close to the busiest border crossing which has become a transit hub for refugees – said that officials have started to notice a shift in the arrivals.

Wojciech Bakun said that whereas most people arriving at the start of the conflict had relatives or friends in Poland to go to, now there are more and more people who have no contacts here.

Yesterday the Polish parliament passed a law giving assistance and legal rights to Ukrainians in Poland who are fleeing the war.

Their stay will be legalised for 18 months, they will be allowed to work and have access to the Polish healthcare system, and young Ukrainians will be able to continue their education in schools and universities here.

Already 11,500 Ukrainian children have been given places in Polish schools, with preparatory classes in Polish being offered by the ministry of education.

Source: retuers.com, PAP, polskieradio24.pl

Ukrainians say they are holding back Russian attacks on Donetsk and Kharkiv

Fighting continues across Ukraine, with the Ukrainian general staff of the armed forces saying they are holding back attacks by Russian troops in several places, including Donetsk and Kharkiv.

The head of the Ukrainian ministry of internal affairs also claimed that a counterattack overnight on Russian troops near Kiev had destroyed five of their tanks.

World leaders have responded with outrage to the bombing by Russia yesterday of a maternity ward in Mariupol.

The Vatican called the attack „unacceptable”.

A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson justified the bombing by claiming that „nationalist battalions” were using the hospital to set up firing positions.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called the incident a proof of Russian genocide against his people.

Ceasefires in six cities yesterday to allow civilians to escape were reported to have held better than on previous days.

In Kyiv, soldiers and volunteers continue to dig trenches and build concrete barriers in anticipation of an expected Russian assault on the capital.

Source: polskieradio24.pl, thetimes.co.uk

US vice president in Warsaw for talks on NATO unity

US vice president Kamala Harris is in Warsaw today for a meeting with the Polish prime minister and president to discuss the Ukraine crisis.

Talks are expected to focus on NATO unity in the face of Russian aggression, assistance to Ukraine, and the possible transfer of Polish MiG fighter jets to the Ukrainian air force.

President Andrzej Duda will also receive the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau this afternoon at the presidential palace.

Their meeting is aimed at consolidating agreement between NATO countries.

Source: PAP, reuters.com

Weather

Today in Gdańsk there will be sunny spells throughout the day, with skies clearing towards the evening. Easterly breezes will add to a cool feel, with a top temperature of 3°C, 37°F. Freezing temperatures overnight will give way to a sunny day tomorrow with a high of 4°C, 39°F.

AGC/aKa