Day: June 19, 2026

The decision, announced on June 19, follows a dispute regarding the naming of a Ukrainian military unit in honor of historical figures, News.Az reports, citing United24media.

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“I want to emphasize that this decision is not directed against the Ukrainian people. It does not change the strategic direction of Polish security policy. We supported and continue to support Ukraine because we know that Russian aggression poses a threat to the security of Poland and all of Europe,” Nawrocki said during his address.

The Polish head of state explained that naming a Ukrainian military unit after historical figures connected to the UPA extends beyond the domestic affairs of Ukraine. According to Nawrocki, Warsaw had previously communicated its position and expectations regarding the potential impact of this designation on bilateral relations, noting that the official stance of Ukraine remained unchanged.

While progress has reportedly been made toward reconciliation on historical matters, the decision by Ukrainian authorities regarding the legacy of the UPA has been characterized by Warsaw as disappointing. The Polish president maintained that he remains open to dialogue but will continue to prioritize the memory of his citizens, national values, and the dignity of his state symbols.

The statement from Nawrocki also indicated that Ukraine’s future European integration depends on a willingness to address difficult historical chapters.

“These principles must be binding for all. For those who do not understand this, there can be no place in the European Union, and Poland will undoubtedly not allow it. Ukraine must also remember that nothing serves the interests of the Kremlin as much as a misunderstanding between Poles and Ukrainians. Any dispute over historical memory weakens our nations and strengthens those who seek to divide and subjugate Europe,” Nawrocki added.

In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the development, announcing his decision to return the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

“Against the backdrop of such reckless actions, I see no possibility of retaining the high state award of the Republic of Poland granted to me in October 2022 — the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. I will return it to Poland shortly,” Sybiha stated.

The foreign minister emphasized that Ukraine did not seek an escalation and had spent the past year and a half working to de-politicize history, unblock joint academic initiatives, and facilitate archival and exhumation requests made by Warsaw.

“Against the background of all this, the current escalation is counterproductive and unnecessary for both us and the Poles. We regret that instead of seeking solutions, the Polish side decided to escalate this tension to an unacceptable and inadequate level. No president of another country will dictate our history to us,” Sybiha concluded.

Previously, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Ukraine should more carefully select targets for drone strikes inside Russia to avoid incidents that could threaten NATO member states or be used by Moscow for propaganda purposes.

Commenting on several cases where drones linked to Ukrainian operations had entered Baltic airspace, Kosiniak-Kamysz urged Kyiv to determine targets much more precisely. He warned that such incidents could serve Russian provocations and be utilized by the Russian Federation for propaganda, escalation, and intensifying hybrid warfare.

The post Poland strips Ukraine president of top award amid historical row​ appeared first on azeritimes.com.

Near BC Place stadium, the atmosphere is electric. At Coast Crafts, owner Kingsley Bailey describes the influx of international soccer fans as absolute “pandemonium.” Tourists from Australia, Turkiye, and beyond are packed into the city, creating an unprecedented demand for affordable souvenirs, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Bailey’s homemade “Vancouver BC 2026” fridge magnets have become an unexpected goldmine, offering budget-conscious travelers an alternative to pricey official FIFA merchandise. The demand has been so high that he is struggling to keep the items in stock.

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However, capitalizing on the soccer craze hasn’t been easy for everyone. FIFA’s notoriously strict trademark and licensing rules have forced other local entrepreneurs to pivot quickly. Dawn Moulton, owner of Cascadia Natural Pet Supply, had to scrub the word “FIFA” from her online listings after a distributor warned her about the strict regulations surrounding football-themed teddy bears. Fortunately for Moulton, the forced change had little impact on her bottom line, and she ultimately donated the remaining inventory to a local dog rescue.

The situation is far more severe for businesses relying on regular local traffic. Aquariums West, a tropical fish store located near the stadium, has made the difficult decision to close entirely on all seven matchdays. Severe transit restrictions, road closures, and a sharp drop in regular foot traffic made staying open unsustainable.

Store manager Kreig LeBlanc expressed deep anxiety over losing seven full days of income, noting that soccer fans are highly unlikely to buy tropical fish while heading to a game. With little to no financial support or official guidance provided to mitigate the disruption, the store is simply hoping loyal customers will rally behind them on non-match days to help recoup the heavy losses.

The post Why the World Cup is hurting some Vancouver businesses​ appeared first on azeritimes.com.

Full time: USA 2 – 0 Australia

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Alex Freeman 43′

USA 2 – 0 Australia

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Cameron Burgess 11′

USA 1 – 0 Australia

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The United States will be without star forward Christian Pulisic for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D clash against Australia.

The AC Milan attacker was substituted at half-time during the USA’s opening match against Paraguay last week. Although both Pulisic and head coach Mauricio Pochettino initially described the change as a precautionary measure, the injury has now forced the American captain out of the squad entirely for the Australia encounter.

Despite Pulisic’s absence, the USA starting XI still features Serie A representation through Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Former Milan full-back Sergiño Dest also retains his place in Pochettino’s side.

Australia, meanwhile, have included Parma defender Alessandro Circati in their starting line-up. Former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato begins the match on the bench.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST.

Confirmed Line-ups

USA (4-2-3-1):
Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, A. Robinson; Adams, McKennie; Dest, Tillman, Balogun; Pepi.

Substitutes:
Turner, Brady, Trusty, M. Robinson, Arfsten, McKenzie, Scally, Reyna, Berhalter, Roldan, Aaronson, Wright, Weah, Zendejas.

Australia (5-4-1):
Beach; Italiano, Souttar, Burgess, Bos, Circati; Leckie, O’Neill, Okon-Enstler, Velupillay; Toure.

Substitutes:
Ryan, Izzo, Degenek, Geria, Trewin, Behich, Herrington, Metcalfe, Devlin, Irvine, Hrustic, Mabil, Irankunda, Volpato, Yengi.

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Both teams enter the high-stakes Group D clash sitting on three points following impressive opening-match performances. The USMNT dominated Paraguay in a -41 routing in Los Angeles, while the Socceroos pulled off a stunning 2-0 upset against Turkiye in Vancouver.

However, a major question mark hangs over the American squad ahead of kickoff at Seattle’s famously loud Lumen Field.

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Star winger Christian Pulisic’s status remains up in the air after he was substituted at halftime during the opening victory. With yellow card accumulation also a factor—midfielder Tyler Adams is one caution away from a suspension—head coach Mauricio Pochettino may be forced into some strategic lineup rotation in front of what is expected to be a historic, packed home crowd.

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