European Union officials have offered to double a military assistance program for Ukraine by training an additional 15,000 Ukrainian troops in 2023.

The offer to train up to 30,000 Ukrainian troops as part of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was announced on Thursday by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Borrell’s statement came as top EU officials, led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, kicked off a two-day summit in Kyiv designed to demonstrate the EU’s commitment to „stand by Ukraine for the long haul.”

EU officials also confirmed a further EUR 500 million in weapons for Ukraine during Thursday’s meeting, according to Ukrinform and Euronews, with von der Leyen promising a new, 10th round of EU sanctions against Russia by February 24, the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Source: Radio Poland

The National Institute of Public Health (NIPH–NIH) in Poland reported nearly a million suspected and confirmed cases of influenza in January, with 71 patients dying from the illness.

According to the latest NIPH data, the number of confirmed and suspected influenza cases has fluctuated over the past four weeks, from a high of 306, 637 cases the first week of January to a low of 194,336 cases January 16-22 and back up to 227,149 last week.

Hospital referrals have followed a similar pattern, with over 2,891 referrals issued in the first week of January, down to 1,697 issued last week.

For the whole of January, 980,959 confirmed and suspected cases of influenza were reported in Poland, a slight decrease from December 2022 with 1,139,000 cases and a marked increase from November 2022, where some 490,000 cases were reported.

Influenza typically causes muscle, joint, and headache pain, but unlike the common cold, it rarely causes a runny nose and is more often associated with a dry, hacking cough. Influenza cases can also be asymptomatic or present with only minor symptoms.

As the flu shares many symptoms with RSV and COVID-19, those with symptoms, particularly children, the elderly, or the immuno-compromised, are encouraged to contact their primary care physician for testing and potential treatment.

Source: Radio Gdańsk, PAP

Polish-American basketball player Jeremy „Juliusz” Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs has been selected to appear in the 2023 NBA Rising Stars event later this month.

The 19-year-old power forward has played 44 games this season and started in 41, the best result for an NBA debutant since the 2001/2002 season, according to officials.

In a recent match against the Phoenix Suns, the Polish-American player scored 30 points and made eight rebounds and five assists, becoming only the fifth teenager in NBA history to do so in a single game.

In recognition of his impressive debut season, Sochan is one of only 21 players (11 rookies and 10 sophomores) to be selected for the 2023 Rising Stars event, the NBA’s annual showcase of its best young talent. The Rising Stars event will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 17 as part of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.

Sochan is the son of former Polish basketball player Aneta Sochan and the American college basketball player Ryan Williams.

Source: Radio Poland, Radio Gdańsk

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has warned of a low-pressure atmospheric front currently moving across Poland and bringing frigid polar air and freezing temperatures to the region over the next two weeks.

Temperatures down to -4°C (25° F) are expected over the weekend, with temperatures continuing to drop next week, potentially down to -9°C (16°F) by Wednesday, February 15.

As colder weather sets in, Gdańsk authorities are asking residents to check on and report those who may be at risk from freezing temperatures. Those at the highest risk include people experiencing homelessness, intoxicated individuals outdoors, and those who may be exposed to cold temperatures due to old age, disability, or other challenging life situations.

Concerned residents are asked to call the City Guard in Gdańsk by dialing 986 or using the general emergency number 112.

Residents can also reach out to the Municipal Family Support Center (MOPR) near Gdańsk Politechnika by calling 58 342 31 50 or the Aid Society of St. Brother Albert (Towarzystwo Pomocy im. św. Brata Alberta) in Nowy Port at 58 343 28 37.

Reports can also be submitted via the Arrels mobile app or by using the online National Security Threat Map (Krajowa Mapa Zagrożeń Bezpieczeństwa) website.

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Weather

Today will be cloudy and cold, with a good chance of snow showers throughout the day and a strong breeze coming in from the east. Temperatures will remain at or below freezing, with a high of 0°C or 32°F dropping to a low of -2°C, or 29°F overnight. Similar weather is expected over the weekend, with a chance for more snow during the day tomorrow.

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Elizabeth Peck/MarWer