Poland’s lower house of parliament has adopted a resolution backing Ukraine’s bid to become a member of NATO, saying that such a move is „essential” both for Ukraine and „for European stability”.

Polish MPs in the Sejm passed the resolution Friday night with an overwhelming 443-2 vote and seven abstentions, according to reports from the state-run Polish Press Agency (PAP).

The resolution said that, in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion, „Ukraine is defending its statehood and protecting shared values such as democracy and order based on international law”.

The document confirmed Poland’s support „for Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations” and emphasized the benefit and necessity of Ukraine’s membership in the NATO alliance.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that Ukraine „has already moved closer” to the Western military alliance and that allies needed to create a framework to ensure „Ukraine’s future security”.

US President Joe Biden was optimistic but slightly more cautious when asked about facilitating Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Biden told a reporter from Polskie Radio that Ukraine would be required „to meet all the standards of every other nation in NATO regardingerms of security and freedom from corruption.

While saying he was „not going to make it easier,” Biden expressed confidence that Ukraine would meet the requirements, „but it’s not automatic”.

Source: Polskie Radio

Local firefighters made an unusual rescue yesterday after being called to retrieve a red panda who had escaped from its enclosure at the Gdańsk Zoo.

Zookeepers raised the alarm Saturday afternoon after noticing that Maja, the female red panda, was alone in the enclosure. Her partner, Ponzu, was missing.

In a post on social media, Gdańsk Zoo employees wrote that the male red panda had „decided to explore the surrounding trees”.

Firefighters, together with a veterinarian, used a lift and high-rise equipment to reach the panda near the top of one tree. Ponzu was then given anesthesia before being brought safely back down to his enclosure.

It is not the first time the curious red panda has escaped his enclosure, although it is unknown how he did so this time, as all electronic security measures appeared to be working properly.

Source: Radio Gdańsk, PAP

The Challenge Triathlon Gdańsk is currently underway in the districts of Brzeźno and Letnica, resulting in changes to traffic and transit routes and limiting access to the Polsat Plus Arena.

An estimated 1000 participants will take place in the triathlon, which runs from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The following streets will be closed entirely during this time: Czarny Dwór from al. Jana Pawła II to Aleja Gen. Hallera, and Aleja Płażyńskiego in both directions from Hallera to the access to the tunnel under the Martwa Wisła. The T2 tunnel under the Martwa Wisła and the Trasa Sucharskiego heading toward Warsaw will also be closed entirely to traffic.

Tram lines 3 and 5 will also be affected, with a replacement tram shuttle (93) running along Aleja Hallera between tram stops Mickiewicza 03 and Płażyńskiego 01.

A complete list of road closures and transit timetables is available >>>HERE.

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Radio Gdańsk will be airing a series of special broadcasts today from the village of Tokarnia near Kielce in honor of the finals of the national folk art competition „Jawor – at the source of culture.”

The second edition of the „Jawor” National Festival of Folk Culture kicked off yesterday with a colorful procession through the town of Kielce.

The competition’s grand finale will take place today at the Museum of the Kielce Countryside in Tokarnia, featuring captivating folk ensemble performances and an annual fair.

The Kashubian Song and Dance Ensemble (KZPiT) „Bytów” will represent the region of Pomerania in the final competition today.

Tune in from 12:00-3:00 p.m. for updates from our reporters Tatiana Slowi and Maciej Łyszkiewicz. Pictures from Saturday’s parade are available HERE or >>>HERE.

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Weather

Today will be partly cloudy, with very little chance of rain showers and a light breeze coming in from the northeast. Temperatures will be similar to yesterday, with a daytime high of 22°C or 71°F, dropping to a low of 13°C or 55°F overnight. Slightly warmer weather is expected tomorrow, with a chance for some rain returning midweek.

Listen to the broadcast:

Elizabeth Peck/ol