Ukrainian troops have begun new offensive operations in the south of the country, military officials announced on Monday, amid reports that Ukraine’s forces had broken through Russian lines in the Kherson region.

Natalya Humenyuk, head of the United Coordination Press Center of the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine, confirmed the news of the long-awaited offensive via a video link interview posted to the Youtube channel of Media Center Ukraine.

In a Telegram post, the Ukrainian army also claimed on Monday to have hit numerous targets in the Kherson region, including a factory in Beryslav and a Russian army post by the North Crimean Canal.

Kyiv officials reported that HIMARS advanced rocket systems from the US had destroyed three bridges crossing the Dnipro River.

Powerful explosions were also heard in the neighboring district of Mykolayiv, with local official Vitaly Kim reporting 2 dead and 11 wounded after Russians shelled residential quarters in the area.

Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories, particularly regions in the south, are again strongly urged to evacuate due to the „dynamic and unpredictable development of events.”

Source: Radio Gdańsk, Radio Poland

Polish President Andrzej Duda hosted a meeting of the National Security Bureau (BBN) last night to review the situation in Ukraine along with other security issues.

Present at the gathering were Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński, and top military commanders.

During the talks, which lasted more than two hours, Polish leaders spoke about „current security issues to do with the situation in Ukraine and cooperation with allies,” according to a statement by the BBN.

„Also under discussion was energy security on the national and European level,” reporters were told.

Source: Radio Poland, PAP

A new gas pipeline between Poland and Slovakia was officially launched last Friday in an effort to boost energy security in Europe, according to government officials.

Friday’s launch ceremony in the southeastern Polish village of Strachocina was attended by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and his Slovakian counterpart, Eduard Heger. Morawiecki later described the project as „one of the key energy investments in the region, which will strengthen the energy security of Poland and Slovakia.”

In addition to diversifying natural gas suppliers for central eastern and southeastern Europe, the project will reportedly help facilitate better market connectivity between northern and southern Europe while increasing opportunities for the integration and coordination of regional gas markets.

Source: Radio Poland

This week is the last opportunity to see captured and destroyed Russian military equipment on display as part of the „For Our Freedom and Yours” exhibit in Gdańsk.

The showcase is open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 at Plac Zebrań Ludowych near Brama Oliwska. Similar exhibitions have been shown in Warsaw, Wrocław, and Poznań. The one in Gdańsk will be open until Sept 2, 2022.

Source: Radio Gdańsk, gdansk.pl

As the August holidays draw to a close, police in Pomerania and across Poland are ramping up safety checks on drivers as part of the „safe returns” program.

According to Monika Falkowska of the Road Traffic Department of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Gdańsk, Pomeranian police officers are particularly focused on safety issues such as excessive speed, driving while intoxicated, and the proper transport of children in car seats.

The end of August typically sees an increase in traffic volume in the region as vacationers return from their holidays. Police may not always be visible, says Falkowska, but they are „always present” on popular tourist routes, such as roads leading to major highways.

Drivers are urged to stay alert and follow all safety and traffic precautions for a safe journey back home.

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Weather

Today will start out overcast with a chance for rain in the morning, with skies clearing a bit in the afternoon and a light breeze coming in from the north. Temperatures will peak around a high of 20°C, or 68°F, dropping to an overnight low of 14°C or 58°F. Similar cool, wet weather is expected for tomorrow, with a chance for some sun returning later in the week.

Posłuchaj:

Elizabeth Peck/MarWer