Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet alongside leaders from Germany and France today in Paris as part of an international effort to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The so-called Normandy Summit is the first time this group of leaders have met in more than three years and is widely viewed as a crucial test for the fledgling presidency of Volodymr Zelenskiy.
Foreign policy experts such as Jewhen Mahda of the Kiev Institute of World Policy have expressed doubts that the inexperienced Ukrainian administration can succeed in negotiations with a sophisticated and seasoned Putin administration.
Following a successful prisoner swap in September, Ukraine made several concessions to Moscow in order to facilitate further dialogue, including an agreement to follow the Steinmeier formula, which allows for a special status for the separatist-controlled Donbass region, and a withdrawal of troops and armament from specific areas on the frontlines.
In contrast, Russia has been accused of not fully implementing the conditions of the Minsk Agreements, leading experts like Mahda to claim they “see no reason to expect success in Paris.” According to Mahda, the only concrete outcome of the Paris summit may be arrangements for the next prisoner exchange, leaving the broader issue of ending the war in Donbass still unresolved.
Source: PAP
Polish film director wins top honors at European Oscars
Polish film director Paweł Pawlikowski took home the People’s Choice Award for his film “Cold War” at the 32nd European Film Awards (EFA) in Berlin on Saturday.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Poland, Berlin, the former Yugoslavia, and Paris, “Cold War” or “Zimna Wojna” follows the story of star-crossed lovers Zula and Wiktor, who must navigate the turbulent waters of love and politics in a world divided by an iron curtain.
“Cold War” has gained numerous accolades and critical praise since premiering at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, including three Oscar nominations (Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director and Best Cinematography) and an additional four nominations at the 72nd annual British Academy Film Awards, including Best Direction and Best Film Not in the English Language.
Pawlikowski previously garnered worldwide acclaim for his film “Ida,” which took home top honors at the 27th European Film Awards in 2014 as well as the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2015 Academy Awards.
Pawlikowski follows in the famous footsteps of renowned Polish director Krzysztof Kieślowski, who took home the top prize for his film “A Short Film About Killing” at the very first European Film Awards in 1988.
Source: The First News https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/cold-war-director-wins-efa-peoples-choice-award-in-berlin-9133
Largest Christmas tree in Trójmiasto lit up in Gdynia
Those hoping to see the largest Christmas tree in Trójmiasto flocked to the Pomeranian Quay in Gdynia yesterday for the lighting of the Dar Młodzieży or “Gift of Youth” sailing vessel.
Some 500 meters of wiring and an equal number of bulbs were strung across the masts of the tall ship to create a 60-meter tall Christmas tree, a symbolic reminder — according to the Mayor of Gdynia — of “those who spend their holidays far away from home.”
December 8th is a particularly symbolic date for the Maritime University of Gdynia, which is celebrating its 99th birthday this year. The Dar Młodzieży, which was used as a training vessel by the school, is the first Polish-built, ocean-going sailing vessel to circumnavigate the globe, thus repeating the famous voyage of her predecessor, the Dar Pomorza.
Last chance to vote for Gdańsk as the Best European Christmas Market
Following in the Christmas spirit, today and tomorrow are your last chances to vote for Gdańsk as the European Best Christmas Market 2020.
Gdańsk is competing against 23 of the most beautiful fairs all over Europe and is the only nominee from Poland. The international competition is organized by the European Best Destinations website.
In the past, the website has also carried out other competitions, such as the most attractive European cities or the best ski resorts in Europe. Along with Porto and Milan, Gdańsk was a finalist in the 2017 competition for the most attractive city for tourists.
To cast your vote online, visit the competition website (>>> HERE) and click on the photo of Gdańsk. No registration or personal information is required, and you can vote once per day until the contest closes on December 10th.
Weather:
Today will be a mix of sun and clouds with the occasional chance of light drizzling rain in the late afternoon and overnight. Temperatures will continue to hover around 7 degrees Celsius or the low to mid-40s Fahrenheit, with perceived temperatures closer to 3-4 degrees Celsius and high 30s Fahrenheit due to high humidity and a light wind. The temperature is set to drop tomorrow with an increasingly likelihood of wind and rain tomorrow afternoon.
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