Europe – Page 520 – Prologue Journal

Battlefield Update: Russia and Ukraine Both Claim Gains in Bakhmut

New York Times The fight for Bakhmut, the ruined city in eastern Ukraine, has become a focal point of the war as both sides have poured troops into battle and sustained heavy casualties. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/world/europe/bakhmut-ukraine-russia.html

Explosion Derails Freight Train in Bryansk Region of Russia, Local Official Says

New York Times The blast was the latest in a spate of apparent attacks to hit the area bordering Ukraine. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/world/europe/explosion-train-derailment-bryansk.html

Defending press freedom, an eye on China and more on Ukraine’s grain: What to watch for this week.

New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/world/europe/defending-press-freedom-an-eye-on-china-and-more-on-ukraines-grain-what-to-watch-for-this-week.html

Anger Over Pensions Law Fuels May Day Protests in France

New York Times Protesters are still hoping to force the government to reverse its decision to raise the legal retirement age to 64 from 62. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/world/europe/france-protests-pension-law-may-day.html

In ‘A Small Light,’ an Ordinary Woman Helps Anne Frank’s Family

New York Times A new series on Disney+ and Hulu tells the story of Miep Gies, a secretary who helped Anne Frank and others hide in Amsterdam during World War II. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/arts/television/a-small-light-anne-frank.html

Rome, Sacred Ground for Nearly 3,000 Years, and Counting

New York Times Christianity is just one chapter in the Eternal City’s rich spiritual history. Judaism, Islam and ancient Roman religions are also a big part of the picture. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/travel/rome-sacred-places.html

Scotland’s Coronation Day: Charles Souvenirs, Anti-Monarchy Rallies and Shrugs

New York Times The crowning of King Charles III will be a test of sentiment about the monarchy in Scotland, where many supporters of independence see the royals as part of the Britain they want to leave behind. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/world/europe/scotland-king-charles-coronation.html

Your Monday Briefing

New York Times Sudan’s health system on the brink. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/briefing/sudan-health-pope-ukraine.html

Explosions Rock Kyiv as Ukraine Braces for Broad Russian Attack

New York Times The attacks follow explosions deep behind Russian lines, which a Ukrainian official said is part of preparations for “the broad, full-scale offensive” that Ukraine is expected to launch soon. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/30/world/europe/explosions-kyiv-russia.html

Freya, the Walrus Killed by Norwegian Officials, Is Immortalized as a Sculpture

New York Times The bronze sculpture depicts the walrus on her side and should remind onlookers about the importance of coexisting, the artist said. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/30/world/europe/freya-walrus-statue-norway.html