Europe – Page 20 – Prologue Journal

The Vivienne, Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Dies

New York Times James Lee Williams was best known by their stage name and also built a career in musical theater. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/arts/the-vivienne-james-lee-williams-dead.html

Austria Coalition Talks Collapse, Raising Prospects for Far-Right Freedom Party

New York Times The leader of the anti-immigrant Freedom Party of Austria, founded by former Nazis in the 1950s, was expected to be asked to enter into talks to form a new government. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/world/europe/austria-coalition-talks-collapse-far-right.html

In Reversal, Musk Trashes Farage, U.K.’s Anti-Immigrant Populist

New York Times Elon Musk, the billionaire backer of Donald J. Trump, had been promoting Nigel Farage. But on Sunday Mr. Musk said Mr. Farage “doesn’t have what it takes.” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/world/europe/musk-farage-starmer-uk.html

In Reversal, Musk Disparages Farage

Ukraine Attacks Kursk Region of Russia Anew

New York Times Ukrainian forces’ assault was in the Russian region where they made a surprise incursion last summer. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/world/europe/ukraine-attack-kursk-russia.html

Costas Simitis, 2-Time Prime Minister of Greece, Dies at 88

New York Times Mr. Simitis imposed financial measures to prepare for Greece’s entry into the eurozone and laid the groundwork for the Olympic Games’ return to Athens. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/obituaries/costas-simitis-dead.html

Costas Simitis, 2-Time Prime Minister of Greece, Dies at 88

A Gas Cutoff Sends Shivers Through a Russian-Backed Breakaway Region

New York Times A renegade part of Moldova once boasted it would become a Russian-speaking Switzerland. Now without gas, its leader assured residents, “We will not allow a societal collapse.” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/world/europe/russia-gas-moldova-transnistria.html

Italy’s Prime Minister Visits Trump in Mar-a-Lago

New York Times Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, joins just a handful of other world leaders who have been to the president-elect’s Florida estate since his victory. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/04/world/europe/italy-donald-trump-meloni-visit.html

How Hybrid Tactics Targeted NATO Allies in 2024: Drones, Exploding Parcels, Sabotage

New York Times Russia and other hostile states have become increasingly brazen in adopting “gray zone” attacks against Europe and the United States, leaving defense officials with a dilemma: How to respond? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/04/world/europe/nato-attacks-drones-exploding-parcels-hybrid.html