Europe – Page 285 – Prologue Journal

Wednesday Briefing

New York Times Israel’s difficult choices on Iran. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/17/briefing/wednesday-briefing.html

In Ukraine With Soldiers From the International Legion

New York Times Our photographer spent four days at a remote Ukrainian trench outpost manned by soldiers who signed up from abroad. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/17/world/europe/ukraine-volunteer-soldier-photos.html

High Winds Scuttle Burning of Snowman in Zurich, Disappointing the Swiss

New York Times The burning of the effigy known as the Böögg is the finale of Sechseläuten, an annual spring festival akin to Groundhog Day. The normally stoic Swiss wallowed in disappointment. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/world/europe/zurich-snowman-switzerland.html

U.S. Lays Out Protections for Assange if He Is Extradited

New York Times American officials sought to reassure the U.K. about Julian Assange’s treatment should the former WikiLeaks founder, who has been indicted by the U.S., be sent there. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/world/europe/julian-assange-extradition-us-uk.html

Mayor Orders Police to Interrupt Conservative Conference in Brussels

New York Times Mayor Emir Kir gave no explanation of why he thought it necessary to try to stop the gathering from taking place, other than saying he wanted to “guarantee public safety.” https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/world/europe/brussels-conversative-conference-emir-kir.html

La Scala Opera Taps Fortunato Ortombina to Succeed Dominique Meyer

New York Times Fortunato Ortombina, the general director of Teatro La Fenice, Venice’s opera house, will succeed Dominique Meyer, a respected French impresario. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/arts/music/la-scala-opera-italian-leader.html

The Paris Olympics’ One Sure Thing: Cyberattacks

New York Times “We will be attacked,” the official responsible for fending off cyberthreats said. To prepare, organizers have been hosting war games and paying “bug bounties” to hackers. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/world/europe/paris-olympics-cyberattacks.html

Copenhagen’s Old Stock Exchange Building Partly Collapses in Fire

New York Times The 17th-century building, one of the city’s best-known structures, was once the financial center of Denmark. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/world/europe/copenhagen-fire-stock-exchange-building.html

Why Germany Can’t Break Up With China

New York Times China remains one of the most important markets for Germany’s export-driven economy, prompting a three-day visit by the German chancellor, who has stressed the importance of open markets. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/business/germany-china-tariffs.html

Ukraine’s Big Vulnerabilities: Ammunition, Soldiers and Air Defense

New York Times The shortages add up to a dire situation for Ukraine in the third year of the war, presenting commanders with near impossible choices on how to deploy limited resources. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/world/europe/ukraine-war-weapons.html