The European Union has imposed sanctions on seven Russian individuals and five entities for disseminating propaganda in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The listed Russian entities include the online outlet Inforos and three of its founders, the PAP news agency reported.
According to statements by the EU, “Inforos is an online outlet closely linked to the Russian military intelligence (GRU), and is responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”
Other sanctioned entities and individuals include The Institute for the Russian Diaspora and ANO Dialog, a Russian non-profit organization created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology and closely linked to the presidential administration. Also on the sanctions list are Social Design Agency and Structura National Technologies, two Russian IT companies involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign 'RRN’ (Recent Reliable News).
The “RRN” campaign reportedly “relies on fake web pages usurping the identity of national media outlets and government websites, as well as fake accounts on social media,” which are part of a “coordinated and targeted information manipulation” and “ a broader hybrid campaign by Russia against the EU and its member states.”
Today is day 521 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Source: Polskie Radio
The Polish Foreign Ministry has declared its support for the democratically-elected president of Niger and appealed for a return to normal state functioning in the country.
On July 27, Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was forcibly detained in the presidential palace, with Niger’s Army spokesman Colonel Major Amadou Adramane later claiming on national television that a coup had taken place.
Poland has followed France (the former colonial power in the region) and the USA in declaring its support for the democratically elected Bazoum.
Niger is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist terrorism in Africa and groups like ISIS and Boko Haram. Analysts have warned that the instability in Niger could create an opportunity for mercenary groups like Russia’s Wagner PMC to expand their influence in the region.
According to reports in Politico, Wagner PMC leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed credit for the coup in a Telegram post last Thursday, calling it “a struggle of the people of Niger against the colonialists.”
Source: Polskie Radio, politico.eu
A leading Scandinavian shipowner, Wallenius Marine, wants to create a low-emission cargo fleet with freight lines running from Trójmiasto to the ports of central Sweden.
In cooperation with the Swedish Greencarrier Group, Wallenius Marine created the operator Lakeway Link, which plans to use Polish ports to transport semi-trailers on specialized ships using renewable energy.
Goods will be transported across the Baltic Sea before being taken to Swedish ports located further inland, such as Vasteras. In addition to being a more eco-friendly solution, transporting cargo by ferry also has the potential to cut down on delivery truck traffic.
Profits increased last year despite a decline in Poland’s freight-ferry transport, proving that this form of transport is a sound direction for new, profitable investments and continued efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of cargo transportation.
Source: Polskie Radio
The Poland Open semifinals match between World No. 1 Iga Świątek and World No. 79 Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium had to be suspended yesterday due to the dusk curfew.
Świątek was in the lead after winning the first set 6-1, with gameplay suspended after Wickmayer rebounded to even the score 5-5 in the second set.
The game is set to resume today at 12:00 CEST, with the winner advancing to the finals this evening.
Świątek advanced to the semifinals after defeating Linda Nosková of the Czech Republic yesterday in two straight sets (6-1, 6-4) before a home crowd in Warsaw.
Source: wtatennis.com
Polish football champions Raków Częstochowa recently beat Qarabağ Agdam of Azerbaijan 3-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second-round qualifier.
German-born midfielder Sonny Kittel scored the winning goal for Raków in the 91st minute in front of a home crowd in Częstochowa on Wednesday night. Raków needs to eliminate Qarabağ and two other rivals to qualify for the Champions League group stage.
They will face Qarabağ again next Wednesday, August 2, at 18:00 CEST in Baku.
Source: Polskie Radio, uefa.com
Weather
Today will be mostly cloudy, with a good chance of rain showers during the day and a gentle breeze coming from the northwest. Temperatures will be similar to yesterday, with a daytime high of 23°C or 74°F, dropping to a low of 14°C or 58°F overnight. Cooler weather is expected tomorrow, with a good chance of rain showers again later in the day.
Elizabeth Peck/kł
