Europe – Page 22 – Prologue Journal

Between Russia and Elon Musk, German Voters Face a ‘Dual Front’ of Disinformation

New York Times In the first major European vote since President Trump’s re-election, influence campaigns are targeting Germany from two sides. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/europe/russia-germany-elon-musk-disinformation.html

Driver Arrested After Car Crash at Demonstration in Munich

New York Times Several people were injured in the incident, the police said. They have not said whether the crash was an accident or a deliberate attack. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/europe/germany-car-crash-munich-driver-arrested.html

Trump Says Saudi Arabia May Host Talks With Putin on Ukraine

New York Times The kingdom has increasingly emerged as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, leveraging ties with both sides as well as with President Trump. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/europe/trump-putin-saudi-arabia-ukraine.html

Singing to Trees to Make Good Cider: An Ancient English Ritual Is Back

New York Times The centuries-old tradition of wassailing is making a comeback in rural England, with rituals and revelry meant to chase away evil spirits and the winter blues. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/europe/england-wassailing-cider-tradition.html

Help! Our Paris Rental Apartment Was Robbed and Airbnb Won’t Compensate Us.

New York Times A family’s belongings disappeared when a thief used a key left under their Airbnb’s doormat. The French police confirmed the story, but Airbnb’s insurance adjuster took the side of the host. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/travel/airbnb-robberies-guests-hosts.html

Putin’s Call With Trump Delivers a Victory for Russian Leader

New York Times Vladimir Putin’s call with President Trump reinforced the Russian leader’s view that Moscow and Washington should decide the fate of Ukraine — and other weighty matters. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/europe/putin-trump-call-russia-ukraine.html

Britain’s Economy Squeezes Out 0.1% Growth

New York Times The unexpected increase eases pressure on the government, which has been trying to spur investment and development. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/business/britain-economy.html

Thursday Briefing

New York Times President Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/briefing/putin-trump-modi.html

USAID Lifesaving Aid Remains Halted Despite Rubio’s Promise

New York Times A new directive puts further exemptions on hold. Aid workers also say the U.S. government has made it impossible to pay partners around the world. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/us/politics/usaid-waivers-rubio.html

Czech Dam Project Was Stalled by Bureaucracy. Beavers Built Their Own.

New York Times The dam project, drafted in 2018 and based on a former military training site south of Prague, had been delayed by land negotiations. Local beavers built several dams, saving the government more than one million euros. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/europe/beavers-prague-czech-republic-dam.html