Last night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky became the first wartime leader since Winston Churchill in 1941 to speak before a joint session of the US Congress.
Dressed in his signature olive-green, military-style trousers and sweater, Ukraine’s president was greeted with a standing ovation, and his defiant speech frequently drew applause from US lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum.
Zelensky delivered his remarks in English, telling US lawmakers that Ukraine would continue to resist Russia’s invasion thanks to support from the US and the West while again appealing for more military aid to do so.
“Your money is not charity,” he explained in his speech. “It’s an investment.” He later told reporters that “every dollar of this investment from the United States is going to strengthen global security.”
Just before Zelensky’s arrival in DC, the White House unveiled a further USD 1.85 billion aid package, which included the highly sought-after Patriot air defense system.
Zelensky called the transfer of the Patriot system “an important step in creating an effective air shield for Ukraine” to protect against ongoing rocket and drone attacks on power plants and other critical infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, US President Joe Biden praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people and reiterated continuing US support for Ukraine, promising Zelensky that “you’ll never stand alone.”
Source: Radio Poland, nytimes.com
Polish MPs have submitted legislation allowing Polish citizens to serve in the Ukrainian army without prior authorization from Polish officials.
The cross-party bill was submitted to the Sejm, the lower house of parliament, on Tuesday, according to reports by the Polish state news agency (PAP).
Under the current rules, Polish citizens are allowed to serve in the armed forces of other countries only with the approval of the defense minister, a reportedly lengthy and bureaucratic procedure. Those who join a foreign army without prior consent face a prison sentence of between three months and five years.
Under the proposed bill, Polish citizens who joined the Ukrainian army after February 20, 2014, will be exempt from criminal responsibility for failure to obtain prior approval. Additionally, recruiting Polish citizens or foreigners in Poland to the Ukrainian army will no longer be considered a crime.
Urszula Rusecka, a spokesperson for Poland’s ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, told members of the press that lawmakers “are pleased because there aren’t many pieces of legislation on which all parties agree.”
Source: PAP, Radio Poland
The University Clinical Center (UCK) in Gdańsk is offering COVID and flu tests free of charge to local residents as the holiday and flu seasons kick into high gear.
The tests will be offered Monday through Friday at the University Clinical Center (UCK) and Student Hospital in Gdańsk. An additional screening site will be open on Sunday at the Parish of Christ the Redeemer in Gdańsk Żabianka.
No appointment is necessary to take advantage of the free tests. Once arriving at the test site, patients will be asked to complete a short health survey and provide their PESEL and telephone number.
According to Dr. Wojciech Dudzic from the University Clinical Center, the entire process is “quick, simple, and painless,” and results should be received the evening of the same day or by noon the next day at the latest. Residents are reminded that there is no longer an obligation to isolate and quarantine after receiving a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2.
More information on the free screenings can be found on the website of the University Clinical Center at uck.pl.
Source: Radio Gdańsk
Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski’s award-winning film “EO” is among 15 movies shortlisted for Best International Film at the 95th Academy Awards.
“EO” has already amassed an impressive number of awards, including the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Best Original Score at the European Film Awards, Best International Film from the New York Film Critics Circle, and awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics’ Association for Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Cinematography.
The film is a modern adaption of the 1960s cult classic Au Hasard Balthazar (Balthazar, at Random) by Robert Bresson, which follows the life of a donkey as he changes owners, most of whom mistreat him.
The final nominations for the 95th Oscars will be announced on January 24, and the awards ceremony is due to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 12.
Source: Radio Gdańsk, Radio Poland
Weather
Today will be cold and wet, with clouds and a strong chance for rain in the afternoon, accompanied by winds from the south and west. Temperatures will be slightly warmer than yesterday, with a high of 5°C, or 41°F, dropping to a low of 3°C or 37°F overnight. Cold, cloudy weather is expected to continue through tomorrow, with temperatures set to drop over the weekend.
Elizabeth Peck/am
