Europe – Page 481 – Prologue Journal

Extensive Minefields Impede Ukraine’s Counteroffensive, Military Experts Say

New York Times Russia has been using antitank weaponry against the Ukrainian forces’ mine clearing vehicles, an analyst said. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/world/europe/ukraine-counteroffensive-minefields.html

British Government Signals Support for Oil and Gas Industry

New York Times With a general election expected next year, the government said it would issue new licenses for energy exploration in the North Sea. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/business/britain-drilling-north-sea.html

Saudi Arabia Will Host Talks About Ukraine’s Peace Plan, Diplomats Say

New York Times Envoys from nations including the United States, Brazil, China and India have been invited, but it was not clear who would attend, the diplomats said. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/world/europe/saudi-arabia-ukraine-peace-talks.html

Wagner Mercenary Group Will Stop Recruiting, New Recording Says

New York Times The recording, purportedly of the group’s founder, Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, appeared to signal that the mercenary force would continue operations but on a smaller scale. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/world/europe/wagner-prigozhin-recruiting-belarus-africa.html

Russia’s Wartime Spending Raises Fears of an Economic Bubble

New York Times The economic strength has helped to maintain popular support for Vladimir Putin’s war, but some have warned the state-led spending is threatening the country’s financial stability. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/world/europe/russia-war-economy.html

Dancing Till Dawn at a Music Festival in Albania

New York Times A weeklong music-and-wellness festival on the beach is just one reason visitors are now flocking to a country that was sealed off to the world for decades. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/travel/albania-kala-music-festival.html

Moscow’s attacks are stoking hatred of Russia in Odesa.

New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/world/europe/moscows-attacks-are-stoking-hatred-of-russia-in-odesa.html

Monday Briefing

New York Times Drone attacks in Moscow. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/briefing/moscow-drones-pakistan-blast-niger.html

Why Austria Is Struggling to Break Away From Russian Gas

New York Times Austria, unlike most European Union countries, is still buying nearly as much natural gas from Russia as it was before the war in Ukraine. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/business/energy-environment/austria-natural-gas-russia.html

Niger Coup: West African Leaders Impose Sanctions and Threaten Action

New York Times A demand for a restoration of democracy echoed calls by the United States and France, major security allies of Niger. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/30/world/africa/west-africa-niger-coup.html