Europe – Page 505 – Prologue Journal

When Your Champions League Dream Runs Through a War Zone

New York Times Shakhtar Donetsk’s foreign stars fled Ukraine when Russia invaded. Now some are returning or signing up, proof that the lure of opportunity can trump fear. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/14/sports/soccer/shakhtar-donetsk-ukraine-soccer.html

Zelensky Meets With German Leaders After Their Massive Weapons Pledge

New York Times The two nations are trying to improve cooperation after a year marred by diplomatic spats over Berlin’s sluggish response to Ukrainian pleas for military aid. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/14/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-berlin.html

Sweden Wins the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest

New York Times After winning the competition last year, Ukraine should have been this year’s host, but Britain stepped in to help the war-torn nation. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/arts/music/eurovision-2023-final-sweden.html

Slava Zaitsev, Enduring Soviet-Era Fashion Designer, Dies at 85

New York Times He gave color, sparkle and opulence to a generation raised in drab Soviet gray and designed for pop stars, Olympic athletes, politicians and ballerinas. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/fashion/slava-zaitsev-dead.html

Germany Announces Its Biggest Military Aid Package for Ukraine

New York Times The 2.7 billion euro package amounts to roughly as much as the entirety of Germany’s military aid contribution to date. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/world/europe/ukraine-germany-zelensky-weapons.html

At Eurovision, Ukrainians Find Community Far From Home

New York Times This year, the competition is hosted by Liverpool, England, on behalf of Ukraine. A discounted ticket plan means thousands of displaced Ukrainians can attend. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/arts/music/eurovision-ukraine-liverpool.html

It’s May in Rome: A Time to Revere, and Fear, Fava Beans

New York Times Although favism, a blood disorder that can cause a violent reaction to fava beans, lurks throughout Italy, many Romans look forward to May, when the legumes are in season. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/world/europe/rome-fava-beans-favism.html

An Erdogan Loss in Turkey Would Stir Relief in the West and Anxiety in Moscow

New York Times European leaders would be delighted to have “an easier Turkey,” while Russia could lose an important economic and diplomatic partnership should the Turkish leader lose power in Sunday’s elections. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/world/europe/erdogan-turkey-russia.html

Zelensky Arrives in Italy for Meeting With Pope

New York Times The Ukrainian president’s visit comes at a potentially pivotal moment in the war against Russia, as Kyiv’s forces make advances near the key eastern city of Bakhmut. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/world/europe/zelensky-pope-francis-ukraine-war.html

How Liverpool Put on a Song Contest for Ukraine

New York Times This year’s event would be “Ukraine’s party,” a broadcasting official said. It just happens to be taking place in Britain. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/12/arts/music/eurovision-liverpool-ukraine.html