US Senate approves $40 bn Ukraine aid bill
The US Senate has approved a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine in a rare show of political unity. The US Senate voted 86-11 on Thursday to approve the military, economic and humanitarian aid which now goes to President Biden to be signed into law. After the vote, Biden tweeted, „This package will allow us to send even more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as they defend their democracy and freedom”. The United States also announced a separate $ 100 million worth of additional military assistance for Ukraine. Biden earlier this month signed a law that aims to streamline the process of supplying Ukraine and other NATO allies with military equipment.
Source – Polskie Radio
Poland to receive refugee aid from EU
Poland is set to receive the lion’s share of a EUR 248 million European Commission aid package that will be distributed to 5 countries that have received the majority of refugees from Ukraine. Poland has been the prime destination for the majority of people fleeing Ukraine, and has so far received more than 3 million people across its eastern border. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania will also receive funding. The Commission said in a statement, „The decision follows the April 9th global pledging event 'Stand Up for Ukraine’, where the Commission committed up to EUR 400 million to support refugees from Ukraine in the most affected member states. Member states can use these funds to provide immediate assistance such as food, transport and temporary accommodation for people fleeing Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, while also increasing their capacity to manage the EU’s external borders”.
Source – Polish Associated Press
Pole among 36 referees chosen for World Cup
A Polish referee is one of 36 referees from across the globe, chosen to officiate during this year’s Football World Cup competition in Qatar. A further two Polish assistant referees have also been selected for the tournament by world football’s governing body FIFA. The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 21st to December 18th. Poland have been drawn to play Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia in the group stage of the tournament.
Source – Polskie Radio
Gdansk holds „Clean up the World” events this weekend
And finally, events are taking place this weekend around Gdańsk as part of the annual Clean Up the World initiative. Tomorrow residents will be able to stock up on bags and gloves to make seven city districts cleaner and more beautiful. The areas include the coastal strips of Nowy Port, Jelitkowo, Przymorze, Stogi and Sobieszewo as well other areas like Matarnia. The event is sponsored by Gdańsk City Hall with a spokeswoman saying that the initiative is very positive for the city and helps to educate and integrate residents as well as increasing the quality of life and environment. The events take place between between 10am and 2pm on Sunday. More information can be found on the gdansk.pl website.
Source – Gdansk.pl
Weather
Today will be a showery day with gusty winds and temperatures of 13 degrees centigrade (55 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and 8 degrees overnight. Tomorrow will continue with rain in a moderate breeze and temperatures of 13 degrees during the day and 5 degrees overnight.
Martin Caren/aKa
