Europe – Page 455 – Prologue Journal

Pope Visits Mongolia, With an Eye on Russia and China

New York Times The pontiff arrived Friday on a trip that the Vatican said was meant to encourage the fewer than 1,500 Catholics there. But it also brings him close to two great powers that have vexed him. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/world/europe/pope-mongolia-russia-china.html

With Robotyne Recaptured, Ukraine Takes Next Step in Counteroffensive

New York Times After penetrating Russian defenses to retake the village of Robotyne, Ukrainian forces have pushed the fight a few miles east, but formidable obstacles lie ahead. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/world/europe/ukraine-counteroffensive-robotyne-verbove.html

Christie’s Cancels Sale of Jewelry Connected to Nazi-Era Fortune

New York Times The decision follows a backlash from Jewish organizations after the auction house generated $202 million in a spring sale from the jewelry collection of Heidi Horten. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/arts/design/christies-heidi-horten-sale.html

David Rowland, Who Won Back Looted Art for Jewish Heirs, Dies at 67

New York Times As a lawyer, he worked on behalf of the families of Jews who had been persecuted by the Nazis to recover artworks, some housed in pre-eminent museums. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/arts/david-rowland-dead.html

More Than 100 Schools in England Ordered Closed Over Faulty Concrete

New York Times The news came just days before the start of the academic year for most children, even though critics say the risks have been known for some time. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/world/europe/uk-england-schools-close-concrete.html

U.K. Names Grant Shapps as New Defense Minister

New York Times Ben Wallace, a former soldier, championed the Ukrainians in their war against Russia. His successor, Grant Shapps, is best known for his political skills https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/world/europe/uk-defense-secretary-grant-shapps.html

UK Replaces Defense Secretary Ben Wallace with Grant Shapps

New York Times Mr. Wallace, a former soldier, had come to symbolize Britain’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/world/europe/uk-defense-secretary-wallace-shapps.html

Eurozone Inflation Holds Steady at 5.3 Percent

New York Times Prices rose at an annual rate of 5.3 percent, defying expectations of a slowdown. The news may bolster the case for another European Central Bank interest rate increase. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/business/europe-eurozone-inflation.html

Thursday Briefing

New York Times Drone attacks in the war in Ukraine. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/briefing/drones-ukraine-gabon-coup.html

A Resurgent Labour Party Sees Scotland as a Springboard to Power

New York Times As the Scottish nationalists stumble, a by-election near Glasgow this fall will test support for the opposition Labour party ahead of Britain’s coming general election. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/world/europe/scotland-labour-election-parliament.html