Europe – Page 577 – Prologue Journal

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

‘I Cry Quietly’: A Soldier Describes the Toll of Russia’s War

New York Times For Valentyn, a Ukrainian soldier in the Donetsk region, the war’s death toll is more than a statistic. He is tasked with moving wounded troops — and dead bodies — away from the front lines, often under Russian fire. https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000008865929/ukraine-russia-frontline.html

Leonardo’s Ferry Left High and Dry by Global Warming and Red Tape

New York Times A ferry used to traverse the banks of the Adda River, in northern Italy, but drought and an abundance of bureaucracy has closed it down. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/23/world/europe/italy-climate-drought-da-vinci-ferry-imbersago.html

Elisabeth Kopp, Swiss Politician Who Made History, Dies at 86

New York Times In 1984 she became the first woman elected to the country’s governing council, but a scandal prevented her from being the first woman to serve as president. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/22/world/europe/elisabeth-kopp-dead.html

Barry Humphries, a.k.a. Dame Edna, Is Dead at 89

New York Times Bewigged, bejeweled and bejowled, Mr. Humphries’s creation was one of the longest-lived characters ever channeled by a single performer. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/22/theater/barry-humphries-dead.html

Zelensky Signs Law Banning Russian Place Names, Part of Broader ‘Decolonization’ Effort

New York Times The action late Friday was the latest in a series of steps by Ukraine to distance itself from a long legacy of Russian domination. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/22/world/europe/zelensky-russian-ban-ukraine.html

Russia’s Technocrats Embraced the West, Then Enabled Putin’s War

New York Times The expertise of economic officials who continue to work in the government has helped President Vladimir Putin largely keep the economy afloat in the face of Western sanctions. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/22/world/europe/russia-technocrats-putin-ukraine-war.html