Europe – Page 259 – Prologue Journal

The Technocrat Who’s Taking Control of Putin’s War Effort

New York Times Andrei R. Belousov, an intellectual with no military experience, is known for backing a state-dominated economy. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/world/europe/belousov-russia-economy-defense-ministry.html

Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool, a Love Affair in Street Art and Silverware

New York Times A coach’s soccer legacy is often reduced to titles and trophies. In Liverpool, a beloved manager will endure in murals, music and shared memories. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/world/europe/jurgen-klopp-liverpool.html

Georgia’s President Vetoes Foreign Influence Law

New York Times The law has triggered protests and threatens to derail the nation’s pro-European aspirations in favor of closer ties with Russia. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/europe/georgia-president-veto-foreign-influence-law.html

Slovak Prime Minister Is Improving After Second Operation, Official Says

New York Times The suspect in the shooting of the prime minister, Robert Fico, appeared before a judge, who ordered that he would remain in custody until he is charged and tried. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/europe/slovak-prime-minister-shooting.html

The Northern Lights Forecast in the U.K.

New York Times Sightings of the aurora borealis are unlikely in the U.K. this weekend, but the northern lights could return on Monday, forecasters said. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/europe/northern-lights-uk-aurora-borealis.html

France Issues Scratch-and-Sniff Baguette Postage Stamps

New York Times The celebration of French heritage in the run-up to the Paris Olympics was unveiled on the feast day of Saint Honoré, the patron saint of bakers. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/europe/france-baguette-stamp-scratch-and-sniff.html

Russia Presses Attacks in Northeast Ukraine, Seeking Buffer Zone on Border

New York Times Advances by Russian forces have raised fears they could bring their artillery in range of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/europe/russia-northeast-ukraine.html

A Would-be Assassin Stirs Europe’s Violent Ghosts

New York Times Political violence and polarization stalk Europe today, with ominous echoes of the past. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/europe/fico-shooting-slovakia-europe-politics.html

At the Cannes Film Festival, Discoveries From Andrea Arnold and Rungano Nyoni

New York Times Though the history-inflected “Furiosa” and “Megalopolis” were the hottest tickets, films by Andrea Arnold and Rungano Nyoni proved to be discoveries. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/movies/cannes-furiosa-megalopolis.html

Xi Jinping Embracing Vladimir Putin in Defiance of the West

New York Times Western leaders looking for signs that the Chinese leader used his influence on President Vladimir V. Putin to end the war in Ukraine are likely to be disappointed. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/asia/putin-xi-china-russia.html