Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claims his country will continue to pursue its military campaign in Ukraine until the government in Kyiv yields to Moscow’s demands.

In an interview with Russian state news agency TASS on Tuesday, Lavrov said that Ukraine and the West were “well aware of Russia’s proposals on the demilitarization and denazification” of Ukrainian-controlled territory and that the Russian military “will settle these issues if Ukraine refuses to accept these proposals.” The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) interpreted Lavrov’s comments as a declaration that “the Kremlin will continue to pursue a military solution to the war until the Ukrainian government capitulates to Russia’s demands.”

ISW noted that Lavrov’s mention of “a military settlement for the war in Ukraine that achieves Russia’s original war aims” comes on the heels of “deliberately vague” statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 25, that Russia was “open for negotiations.” In the ISW’s view, Putin’s comments were “not an offer to negotiate with Ukraine” and indicated that the Kremlin leader “has not set serious conditions for negotiations.”

Source: Radio Poland, PAP

Eight people were killed and 114 injured in 96 accidents on Polish roads over the Christmas holidays, according to police statistics released on Tuesday.

The same number of people were killed during the holidays last year, but the number of road accidents (112) and those injured (145) showed a noticeable decline. Police also reported stopping 580 drunk drivers over the long holiday weekend. The situation in Pomerania was slightly different, with a higher incidence of accidents, collisions, and injuries when compared with last year, but no fatalities and fewer incidences of drunk driving.

Police in Pomerania recorded 10 accidents, 13 injuries, and 252 collisions over the long holiday weekend compared with 8 accidents, 12 injuries, and 240 collisions during the same period last year. The number of drivers stopped for drunk driving during this period showed a slight decrease, with traffic police stopping 33 intoxicated drivers compared to 35 in 2021. Police stepped up patrols on major roads over the Christmas weekend as people headed off for traditional family gatherings. Additional road checks are planned during celebrations for Sylwester (New Year’s Eve) and on New Year’s Day.

Source: Radio Gdańsk, Radio Poland

A zoo in Poznań has been supporting the war effort in Ukraine by helping to evacuate some 200 animals, including lions, tigers, and wolves, from areas at risk.

According to Małgorzata Chodyła, a spokesperson for the Poznań zoo, since the outbreak of the war, the facility has helped evacuate six tigers, four lionesses, a wolf, and three bears, as well as caracals, polar foxes, a leopard, an African wild dog, and a monkey. – Most of these animals have already been admitted to animal shelters and zoos in other countries – Chodyła explained, “while some of them will remain with us.”

The zoo is currently asking for public donations to support the zoo in its evacuation efforts. Essential items include dry dog food, canned meat, blankets, sleeping bags, flashlights, mobile phones, fleece jackets, and winter boots, among other items. Ukrainian officials have been appreciative of the zoo’s efforts, with official notes and letters of gratitude from Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Kyrylo Trantin, director of the Kyiv zoo.

Poznań Zoo officials have publicly stated they “will continue to help Ukrainian animals for as long as necessary and possible.”

Source: Radio Poland, PAP

Polish tennis phenom Iga Świątek has been voted European Athlete of the Year in an annual poll held by the Polish Press Agency.

The 21-year-old world No. 1 had an outstanding season this year, winning eight tournaments, including two Grand Slam titles. Journalists from 20 European news agencies, including Germany’s DPA and Ukraine’s Ukrinform, voted in the annual PAP poll to select their picks for the top 10 athletes in Europe. Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis was voted runner-up, while Dutch Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen came in third in the poll.

Football player Robert Lewandowski, the second-highest-rated Polish athlete this year, was voted in at number 37. Lewandowski previously won the accolade in 2020.

Source: Radio Poland

Weather

Today will be mostly cloudy with a chance for scattered rain showers throughout the day and a strong breeze coming from the southwest. Temperatures will be similar to yesterday, with a high of 5°C, or 41°F, dropping to a low of 2°C or 35°F overnight. Slightly warmer weather is expected tomorrow, with a chance for warmer temps and some clear skies over the weekend.

Listen to the broadcast:

Elizabeth Peck/ol