Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky exuded defiance and determination in a speech yesterday commemorating Ukrainian Independence Day and the six-month anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In his address, Zelensky claimed that „a new nation” appeared in the world „on February 24 at 4 am.” A nation that „was not born, but reborn. A nation that did not cry, scream, or take fright. One that did not flee. Did not give up. And did not forget.”
„After six months of attempts to destroy us,” he continued, „we are still the free people of independent Ukraine. And this is the truth about our future.”
In a video message yesterday, Polish President Andrzej Duda, who was in Kyiv earlier this week, expressed convictions that Ukraine „will win this war. We, the people of Poland, believe that a free Ukraine, rebuilt from wartime destruction, will enjoy prosperity in the European community.”
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also sent his congratulations to Ukrainians, saying, „we are proud to call ourselves your allies, your friends. You protect yourself and your families, but also Poland and Europe.”
Source: Radio Poland, Radio Gdańsk, Reuters
The city of Gdańsk joins Lviv, Kyiv, and Warsaw in playing host to an exhibition of Russian military hardware destroyed by Ukrainian troops.
Entitled „For Our Freedom and Yours,” the showcase is currently on display and open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 at Plac Zebrań Ludowych near Brama Oliwska.
In the six months since Moscow’s brutal invasion began, Ukrainian forces have destroyed 1,924 Russian tanks, 4,243 armored personnel vehicles, 1,036 artillery systems, and other equipment, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Michał Dworczyk, chief of staff to Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, earlier described the destroyed Russian equipment as „proof that with determination, courage, and professionalism, the Russian army can be defeated.”
„For Our Freedom and Yours” will be on display in Gdańsk until Sept 2, 2022.
Source: gdansk.pl, Radio Poland
Earlier this week, sailors on a cargo ship moored at the Baltic Container Terminal in Gdynia found an unusual stowaway on board.
Oskar, an African gray parrot, escaped from a Gdynia family over the weekend and had been hiding onboard the vessel for several days. Upon finding the bird, one of the sailors took the animal into his cabin and notified security. The EkoPatrol of the Municipal Police was later able to track down the bird’s owner in Gdynia.
Ewa, the owner, was overjoyed to be reunited with her family pet of over twenty years, and Oskar also reportedly „screeched with joy” upon seeing his owner. He was promptly returned to his birdcage in Gdynia, apparently none the worse for wear.
Source: Radio Gdańsk
The 17th annual International Mozart Festival, or „Mozartiana,” is currently underway in Gdańsk, with some two hundred artists set to perform classical, folk, and jazz arrangements of the great composer’s works.
The annual festival hosts outstanding Polish and foreign vocalists and musicians on its many stages, including concerts in the Artus Court, Oliwa Park, and the Oliwa Cathedral. The inaugural concert took place on Thursday evening with the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Poznań, which was founded and is still led by renowned Polish conductor Agnieszka Duczmal.
Interviews with Mrs Duczmal and other performers at the festival are available in Polish >>>HERE. The festival runs until Saturday, August 27. More information and a complete program are available on the festival website >>>HERE.
Source: Radio Gdańsk, mozartiana.pl
Weather
Today will be partly cloudy in the morning, with skies clearing in the afternoon and a light breeze coming in from the north. Temperatures will peak around a high of 24°C, or 75°F, dropping to an overnight low of 19°C or 66°F. A return to hot weather is expected tomorrow, with skies clearing and temperatures heating up over the weekend.
Posłuchaj całej audycji:
Elizabeth Peck/MarWer
