It’s Day 38 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that as of Friday evening, 28 settlements have been liberated from Russian occupation, mostly in the regions around the capital city of Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv. Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently engaged in “clean up” operations around the formerly occupied cities of Makariv and Irpin.

Fighting has intensified in the east and south of Ukraine, with Russian forces continuing to shell settlements in the regions of Lugansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Russian troops are still trying to establish full control over the nearly-destroyed city of Mariupol.

According to Ukrainian officials, 6,266 people, including some 3,000 from Mariupol, were evacuated on Friday from the regions of Zaporizhia, Donetsk, and Lugansk.

A convoy of private vehicles and 54 Ukrainian buses attempting to leave Mariupol were forced to turn back due to dangerous conditions, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Red Cross has stated it will try again today to evacuate civilians from the besieged city.

Source: Radio Gdańsk, Reuters

A protest and boycott are scheduled to begin today in front of the Leroy Merlin store in Gdańsk in response to the company’s decision to keep operating in Russia.

Polish resident Dominik Gonszczyorowski organized the protest and the accompanying boycott to contribute to Ukraine’s continuing struggle against Russian occupation.

The protest is scheduled to begin at 11:00 in front of the Leroy Merlin store on Aleja Grunwaldzka and will include a silent protest with anti-war posters and condemnation of the company’s continued operations in Russia.

According to a recent survey by SW Research Market and Opinion Research Agency, some 75% percent of Poles intend to boycott companies that have not withdrawn from the Russian market. Companies like Leroy Merlin, Auchan, and Danone are currently listed as brands most likely to see boycotts in the near future.

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Robert Lewandowski and Poland’s national football team officially have their work cut out for them in the group stage of the upcoming football World Cup in Qatar.

Poland will face off against Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina in the group stage of the competition next autumn, according to the results of last night’s draw in Doha.

Polish football officials reportedly had mixed reactions to the draw, with Cezary Kulesza, head of the Polish Football Association (PZPN), describing the matchup as “very interesting” and Manager Czesław Michniewicz praising the international mix of opponents.

Poland’s first match will be against Mexico on November 22, followed by Saudi Arabia on November 26. The 2022 World Cup runs from November 21 to December 18 in Qatar.

Source: Radio Gdańsk, Radio Poland

Two charity concerts supporting Ukrainian refugees are set to take place this evening in Trójmiasto.

The charity concert #NaPomocUkrainie or “To Help Ukraine” will be held tonight at the Port Authority in Gdynia (ul. Rotterdamskiej 9) from 16:00 to 21:00.

The concert will feature performances by Paulina Kowalska, or “Pepi,” along with the bands Popielnica, Słowiańska Dusza, Kyiv Office, Enej and Taraka.

The Taraka ensemble is particularly well-known for its song “Podaj rękę Ukrainie” or “Lend a hand to Ukraine,” the unofficial anthem of the 2014 Euromaidan protests. The group’s 28-year-old cellist, Dmytro, was killed during the first weeks fo the war.

Entry for the concert is free with a suggested donation. Auctions will be held at the event and on the event’s Facebook profile. Proceeds will go towards supporting Ukrainian refugees.

Ukrainian indie yoga music band “AtmAsfera” will perform live on Radio Gdańsk tonight as part of the “Muzycznych Wędrówek Łosia i Basiora” series.

The performance will also feature a collection for Ukrainians in need as part of the ongoing “Pomorze Biega i Pomaga” campaign in Trójmiasto.

AtmAsfera’s ethnic and folk-infused melodies will be broadcast on-air starting at 20:00 with a live video transmission on the Radio Gdańsk Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Weather

Today will be mostly sunny and cold, with very little chance of rain or snow and a strong breeze coming in from the north. Temperatures will be colder than yesterday, with a high around 4°C, or 39°F, dropping to a freezing overnight low of -2°C or 29°F. Slightly warmer weather is expected tomorrow, along with a chance for some additional sunshine before clouds and rain return on Monday.

Elizabeth Peck