Ukrainian officials claim Russian forces are gradually being pushed back from Sievierodonetsk even though Moscow has reinforced its troops around the city.
According to reports by Reuters, Russian forces have suffered significant defeats despite an attempt to cut off Ukraine’s access to the industrial city by blowing up bridges across the Siverskyi Donets river.
In an interview with Ukrainian national television, Serhiy Gaidai, the head of the eastern region of Luhansk, claimed the Russian army was “throwing all its efforts, all its reserves” in the direction of Sievierodonetsk.
Military experts recently told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the conflict has become a war of attrition, with each side seeking to wear down the other until one of them capitulates.
Source: Radio Poland, Reuters
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba slammed recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has advocated for Russia to “not be humiliated” for its invasion of Ukraine.
In an interview published on Saturday in the popular French newspaper Ouest-France, Macron again called on Western leaders to “not humiliate Russia so that the day when the fighting stops, we can build an exit ramp through diplomatic means.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pushed back against Macron’s comments, emphasizing in a post on social media that „calls to avoid humiliation of Russia can only humiliate France and every other country that would call for it. Because it is Russia that humiliates itself.”
President Macron has sought to maintain a dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has spoken with him regularly since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
Poland and other central and eastern European countries have repeatedly criticized Macron’s stance, arguing that it only undermines efforts to pressure Putin.
Source: Radio Poland, Reuters
A special “Social Zone” has been set up outside the European Solidarity Center in Gdańsk as part of celebrations of Poland’s historic June 1989 elections.
Over 80 non-governmental organizations from all over Poland are represented in the Social Zone (Strefa Społeczna) located between the ECS building and Jana z Kolna Street.
On Saturday, residents and experts took part in various debates and discussion panels in the Zone, with topics ranging from gender and poverty to the war in Ukraine and the rise of disinformation and fake news.
The Social Zone is part of celebrations marking over 30 years since the symbolic end of communism in Poland, signified by the results of the June 4, 1989 elections.
The Zone will be open again today until 18:00.
More information on Freedom and Civil Rights Day and the Strefa Społeczna is available here >>> HERE.
Source: Radio Gdańsk, strefaspoleczna.online
Iga Świątek won the French Open for the second time yesterday after defeating Coco Gauff 6-1 6-3 at the tournament in Paris.
The victory marks Świątek’s ninth career singles title and extends her winning streak to a record 35 matches.
The Polish tennis star used her post-victory platform to send a “message [to] Ukraine: Stay strong, the war continues”.
Source: Radio Poland, PAP
Ukraine faces off against Wales tonight for a chance to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
As commentators, journalists, and Ukrainians themselves have pointed out, a chance to compete for football’s top international prize would provide a significant morale boost for a country ravaged by four months of brutal warfare and occupation.
According to AP journalist Caleb Larson, the chance to compete in the World Cup would also confirm that “the Ukrainian nation is a permanent presence in Europe, irrespective of Moscow’s designs on the country.”
Ukraine’s only other World Cup visit was in 2006, when they reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Italy.
The Ukraine vs. Wales match will kick off tonight at 18:00.
Source: AP, si.com
Weather
Today will be sunny and warm, with very little chance of rain and a light breeze coming in from the east. Temperatures will peak around a high of 19°C, or 67°F, dropping to an overnight low of 9°C or 49°F. Warm, sunny weather is expected again for tomorrow, with cooler temps and a chance for rain returning midweek.
RGEN
