Europe – Page 294 – Prologue Journal

NATO Weighs Taking Over Ukraine Defense Contact Group

New York Times The proposal faces several obstacles, including whether all members would agree to the changes. But the alliance is worried about wavering American support for Kyiv. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/03/world/europe/nato-ukraine-funding.html

Zelensky Lowers Draft Age for Ukraine’s Depleted Army

New York Times The idea of requiring more men to join the fight against Russia’s invasion has become toxic politically, but Russia is not relenting in its assault. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/03/world/europe/zelensky-ukraine-military-draft-age.html

How European Soccer Made Peace With Fasting During Ramadan

New York Times In competitions like the Premier League, Muslim pros who once faced pressure to avoid daily fasts during the monthlong holiday now benefit from custom diets and in-game breaks. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/03/world/europe/premier-league-ramadan.html

Wednesday Briefing

New York Times Seven aid workers killed in Gaza. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/03/briefing/gaza-aid-workers-biden-xi.html

‘The Russian Language Is Everywhere Again’: Exiles Cause Unease in Lithuania

New York Times An influx of exiled Russian activists and refugees from Ukraine and Belarus is stirring fears in a country that fought to preserve its language and culture under Soviet occupation. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/03/world/europe/lithuania-russian-diaspora.html

Inside an English Village Scarred by A High-Speed Railway, HS2

New York Times When Britain cut back a planned high-speed rail line, some residents on the route were pleased. They’re less delighted with what happened next. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/03/world/europe/hs2-uk-village.html

Maryse Condé, ‘Grande Dame’ of Francophone Literature, Dies at 90

New York Times She explored the history and culture of Africa, the West Indies and Europe in work that made her a perennial favorite for the Nobel Prize. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/books/maryse-conde-dead.html

Israel bombed an Iranian Embassy complex. Is that allowed?

New York Times Israel can likely argue that its actions did not violate international law’s protections for diplomatic missions, experts say. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/world/europe/interpreter-israel-syria-embassy.html

Rome’s Future Is a Walk Through Its Past

New York Times City officials kicked off a new project to create a monumental, pedestrian-friendly, archaeological area downtown, but some critics worry the plans puts tourists before residents. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/world/europe/rome-future-past-downtown.html

Fire at Masquerade Nightclub in Istanbul Kills 29

New York Times The fire took place at Masquerade, a popular club that was closed to the public and undergoing renovations. Six people were arrested. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/world/europe/istanbul-nightclub-fire.html