Europe – Page 63 – Prologue Journal

Putin Declares ‘Everything Will Be Fine’ Despite Russia’s Growing Challenges

New York Times Speaking on the 25th anniversary of his rule, President Vladimir V. Putin delivered an upbeat and vague New Year’s Eve message that did not address casualties in Ukraine or rising inflation at home. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/world/europe/putin-russia-ukraine-speech.html

Germany’s Chancellor Scholz Takes a Jab at Musk in New Year’s Eve Address

New York Times Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany’s election would “not be decided by the owners of social media channels” in his annual New Year’s Eve address. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/world/europe/scholz-elon-musk-germany-election.html

New Year’s Eve Hogmanay Street Party Canceled in Edinburgh

New York Times The outdoor Hogmanay festivities were called off in Scotland’s capital as forecasters warned of rain, strong winds and snow across Britain. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/world/europe/new-years-eve-edinburgh-hogmanay-weather-canceled.html

How Suicide Drones Changed the Front Lines in Ukraine in the War With Russia

New York Times Outnumbered and desperate, the nation began hacking cheap consumer UAVs with explosives — bringing a brutal new form of terror to 21st-century warfare. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/magazine/drones-weapons-ukraine-war.html

On E-Scooters and ATVs, Russian Forces Swarm Ukrainian Positions in the East

New York Times Stepped up attacks by Russia are heightening longstanding concerns over how Ukraine manages its military and countering assumptions that Moscow’s offensive would slow, soldiers and military analysts say. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/world/europe/ukraine-russia-attacks-eastern-front.html

‘The Irony of Fate’ Is a Holiday Film Even Kremlin Skeptics Watch

New York Times “The Irony of Fate” is a turn-of-the-year TV tradition that endures even in households that are now wary of Russian culture. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/arts/television/the-irony-of-fate-new-years.html

Tuesday Briefing

New York Times Fighting in Northern Gaza. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/briefing/gaza-fighting-south-korea.html

Russia and Ukraine Swap More Than 300 Prisoners Ahead of U.S. Transition

New York Times Exchanges have taken place before, but this deal, involving big numbers on both sides, comes as Trump prepares to take over in Washington, potentially endangering American aid to Kyiv. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/world/europe/russia-ukraine-prisoner-swap.html

Dark Doldrums Overshadow Europe’s Energy Markets

New York Times Periods of low sun and wind, a weather pattern known as a Dunkelflaute, can increase electricity prices and stoke political tensions. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/business/energy-environment/europe-energy-solar-wind.html

Dominique Pelicot, Convicted in Mass Rape Trial in France, Will Not Appeal

New York Times Seventeen of the other 50 men convicted in the case — most for participating in rapes of Gisèle Pelicot, then Mr. Pelicot’s wife — have filed appeals, according to a lawyer. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/world/europe/dominique-pelicot-appeal-france-rape-trial.html