Prologue Journal

Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Kremlin Sees No Prospect of Chinese Mediation on Ukraine

Moscow Times The comments came as French President Macron was in Beijing to try to dissuade China from supporting Moscow’s campaign. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/kremlin-sees-no-prospect-of-chinese-mediation-on-ukraine-a80737

Russian Recruits Jailed for 3 Years for Refusing to Fight in Ukraine

Moscow Times Yury Degtyarev and Alexei Selivanov were among the first recruits charged with refusing military service. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/russian-recruits-jailed-for-3-years-for-refusing-to-fight-in-ukraine-a80730

Armed Gang Kills 3 Police Officers in Russia’s North Caucasus

Moscow Times The shootout came as authorities searched for suspects in recent attacks against law enforcement. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/armed-gang-kills-3-police-officers-in-russias-north-caucasus-a80731

Russian Economic Prospects ‘Foggy’ as Sanctions Cut Deep

Moscow Times Putin can afford to bankroll his war for another “three to four years,” according to one expert. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/russian-economic-prospects-foggy-as-sanctions-cut-deep-a80729

Russia Says Ukrainian Aircraft Crashed in Border Region

Moscow Times Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the incident. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/05/russia-says-ukrainian-aircraft-crashed-in-border-region-a80727

Russia Probes Stand-Up Comedians for Mocking Pro-War Blogger’s Assassination

Moscow Times Two popular comedians are in hot water over an on-stage joke about this week’s bomb killing of Vladlen Tatarsky. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/05/russia-probes-stand-up-comedians-for-mocking-pro-war-bloggers-assassination-a80726