Europe – Page 231 – Prologue Journal

Why Is Putin Traveling to Vietnam?

New York Times President Vladimir V. Putin arrived in Hanoi keen to maintain the longstanding military ties between Russia and Vietnam, as Hanoi has developed deeper bonds with Washington. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/world/asia/putin-russia-vietnam-visit.html

Beluga Whales Are Rescued From Ukrainian War Zone to New Home in Spain

New York Times A pair of beluga whales were extricated from the besieged city of Kharkiv and taken to an aquarium in Spain with help from experts around the world. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/world/europe/kharkiv-ukraine-beluga-whales-spain.html

Group of Austrians Picks 77 Charities to Receive Heiress’s Fortune

New York Times Marlene Engelhorn, a descendant of the founder of one of the world’s largest chemical companies, decided to give away most of her inheritance. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/world/europe/marlene-engelhorn-heiress-fortune.html

France Warned by E.U. About ‘Excessive’ Deficit

New York Times The rebuke for breaking European Union rules that require strict financial discipline comes two weeks before French voters head to the polls for parliamentary elections. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/business/france-budget-deficit-macron.html

Dozens Die as Intense Heat Grips Mecca During Hajj Pilgrimage

New York Times Reports from official media in the Middle East and Africa suggest that dozens of people died during this year’s hajj pilgrimage as temperatures soared. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/world/europe/hajj-deaths-mecca-heat.html

Russia Sentences U.S. Soldier to 4 Years in Prison

New York Times Staff Sgt. Gordon Black was accused of making death threats against, and stealing money from, a woman with whom he was romantically involved. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/world/europe/russia-us-soldier-gordon-black.html

How Britain’s Economy Became So Stagnant

New York Times After more than a decade of deep budget cuts, slow growth and weak productivity, the country has struggled to overcome years of uncertainty and underinvestment. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/business/britain-economy-inflation.html

Wednesday Briefing

New York Times Biden’s new protections for undocumented spouses. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/briefing/biden-immigration-thailand-gay-marriage.html

In North Macedonia, Disputes Over History Extend to Statues

New York Times North Macedonia has claimed historical figures as part of a drive to build a national identity. That has ruffled the feathers of the Balkan nation’s neighbors. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/world/europe/north-macedonia-history-statues.html

Tom Cole, House GOP Spending Chief, Defeats Challenger in Oklahoma Primary

New York Times The veteran Republican faced a right-wing challenger who sought to make his powerful post on the committee that controls federal spending into a political liability. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/18/world/europe/tom-cole-primary-oklahoma-bondar.html