Europe – Page 65 – Prologue Journal

Has Russia’s Shadow Fleet Added Sabotage to Its List?

New York Times Russia has assembled a fleet of hundreds of vessels to covertly ship its oil. With so many ships at sea, the idea of using some to cause havoc may be proving irresistible to the Kremlin. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/28/world/europe/russia-ship-shadow-fleet-finland.html

Greeks Are Defying an Indoor Smoking Ban

New York Times The country, which has one of Europe’s highest smoking rates, is also resisting a wider push for outdoor bans. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/28/world/europe/greece-indoor-smoking-ban.html

Kazakhstan Plane Crash Survivors Describe Chaos on Azerbaijan Airlines Flight

New York Times Flight attendants and a passengers described the moments before an Azerbaijan Airlines flight went down in Kazakhstan, killing dozens. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/world/europe/azerbaijan-airlines-crash-kazakhstan-survivors.html

What We Know About the Ship Finland Seized Over Fears of Sabotage

New York Times Finland seized an oil tanker that authorities believe might have deliberately cut vital undersea cables. Finnish authorities believe the tanker may be linked to Russia. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/world/europe/finland-ship-russia-sabotage.html

What We Know About the Plane Crash in Kazakhstan

New York Times The Embraer 190 was traveling to Grozny, Russia, but crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people onboard. Investigators are focusing on Russian air defense as the likely cause. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/world/europe/kazakhstan-plane-crash-russia.html

Ukraine Slows Missile Fire Into Russia as Trump Prepares to Take Office

New York Times The long-range missiles provided by the United States and Britain were used to strike inside Russian territory, despite concerns that their use would escalate the conflict. Kyiv’s stockpiles are running out. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/world/europe/ukraine-russia-missiles-trump.html

Oasis Reunion Tour Is Definitely Maybe a Win for Tribute Bands, Too

New York Times As the Gallagher brothers prepare for next year’s performances, Oasis covers bands are reaping the benefits with their own sold-out shows. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/arts/music/oasis-reunion-tribute-bands.html

Friday Briefing

New York Times A mysterious vessel in Finnish waters. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/briefing/finland-russia-israel-houthis.html

Norway Bus Plunges Into Lake, Killing at Least 2

New York Times The bus, which was carrying more than 50 people, was partly submerged after leaving a road in the country’s northwest. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/world/europe/norway-bus-accident.html

Finland Seizes Ship After Undersea Cable Is Cut

New York Times The country’s prime minister said the incident, the latest in a series of disruptions to undersea infrastructure, underscored the danger of a so-called Russian shadow fleet. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/world/europe/finland-estonia-cables-russia.html