Europe – Page 527 – Prologue Journal

A Chinese Ambassador’s Comments on Ex-Soviet States Draw Ire

New York Times The Baltic States summoned Chinese representatives after China’s ambassador to France questioned the sovereignty of countries that declared independence from the Soviet Union. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/24/world/europe/china-ambassador-soviet-states.html

Northern Lights Are Seen in Places Where They Normally Aren’t

New York Times The lights, driven by a large burst of energy from the sun, illuminated an unusually wide area across North America and Europe and may be visible again on Monday night. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/24/science/northern-lights-aurora-borealis.html

Coloring History’s Gray Areas, With Strong Moral Outrage

New York Times Éric Vuillard writes short historical narratives known for their irony. His latest, “An Honorable Exit,” delves into France’s defeat in the First Indochina War. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/24/books/eric-vuillard-an-honorable-exit.html

At Ukraine’s Gravesites, a Spring Ritual Hints at Renewal

New York Times A decimated village welcomes back displaced residents for a day of remembrance and hope. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/24/world/europe/ukraine-villages-ritual-cemeteries.html

Your Monday Briefing

New York Times Evacuations of foreign officials from Sudan. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/24/briefing/sudan-evacuations-kherson-israel.html

Barlocco Island in Scotland Listed for $180,000

New York Times Reaching Barlocco Island is challenging, and staying there for any length of time even more so. Still, dozens are vying for the 25 acres of nature. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/23/world/europe/barlocco-island-scotland-sale.html

Russia Pounds Cities Across the Country, Ukraine Says

New York Times Russian forces hit Ukrainian cities with missiles, mortars, artillery and airstrikes over the weekend, Ukrainian officials said. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/23/world/europe/ukraine-russia-kherson.html

Chinese Censorship Is Quietly Rewriting the Covid-19 Story

New York Times Under government pressure, Chinese scientists have retracted studies and withheld or deleted data. The censorship has stymied efforts to understand the virus. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/23/world/europe/chinese-censorship-covid.html

A Blockbuster Exhibition, Ripped in Two by Russia’s War

New York Times A major art show was supposed to unite masterpieces from London and Moscow, until Russia invaded Ukraine. Now, Russia is cut off from the West, and each side’s treasures are staying put. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/23/arts/design/russian-museums-after-impressionism.html

Under Russian Fire, a Ukrainian Soldier Evacuates the Wounded

New York Times Valentyn is a Ukrainian soldier tasked with moving injured troops — and dead bodies — away from the front lines. He described the relentless work of responding to casualties under fire. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/23/world/europe/soldier-ukraine-russia-war.html