Europe – Page 78 – Prologue Journal

Russians Fleeing Ukraine’s Advance Border Regions Rush to Kursk

New York Times In the regional capital, those who left their homes as Ukrainian forces tore into western Russia are uncertain whether they can ever return to their old lives. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/18/world/europe/kursk-russia-ukraine-incursion.html

‘Bad Blood’ Stalks a Lithium Mine in Serbia

New York Times A Rio Tinto mine that Europe sees as a critical source for electric vehicle batteries has been the target of enormous protests. “I don’t need green cars. I need green apples and green grass,” said one opponent. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/18/world/europe/serbia-lithium-mine.html

Has Power Moderated Giorgia Meloni? Not to Italy’s Same-Sex Parents.

New York Times Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has mostly shown a pragmatic streak abroad. But at home, her government is plunging many gay families into panic. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/18/world/europe/italy-same-sex-parents-meloni.html

During Ukraine’s Incursion, Russian Conscripts Recount Surrendering in Droves

New York Times More than 300 have been processed in a prison in Ukraine, providing the country with a much-needed “exchange fund” for future swaps of prisoners of war. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/17/world/europe/ukraines-incursion-russian-conscripts.html

Ukraine Destroys Key Russian Bridge as It Presses On With Offensive

New York Times The bridge’s destruction is a setback for Russian supply lines as Ukraine seeks to consolidate its territorial gains in the Kursk region of western Russia. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/17/world/europe/ukraine-russia-bridge.html

Mpox Case in Sweden Sets Off Concerns of Wider Spread in Europe

New York Times Experts expect more cases to surface in European countries because of frequent travel to and from Africa, with the threat of contracting the disease raised from “very low” to “low.” https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/world/europe/mpox-cases-sweden-europe.html

New Zealand Diplomat Is Victim of Armed Robbery, Paris Authorities Say

New York Times The Paris prosecutor’s office said that the diplomat had been struck in the face with the butt of a pistol. The robbery took place in Paris’s affluent 7th arrondissement. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/world/europe/new-zealand-robbery-paris.html

What I’m Reading: Why Democracy Erodes From the Top

New York Times Three book recommendations from sunny London. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/world/europe/what-im-reading-why-democracy-erodes-from-the-top.html

Ukraine’s Push Into Russia Met Early Success. Where Does It Go From Here?

New York Times Ukraine’s forces could try advancing farther on Russian soil, or return to the front line, where Moscow is making gains. There are arguments for various options. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/world/europe/ukraine-russia-kursk-incursion.html

Russia Closes In on Key Eastern Ukrainian City Despite Kursk Incursion

New York Times A Russian advance toward Pokrovsk casts doubts on Ukraine’s hopes that its offensive in western Russia will prompt Moscow to scale back attacks elsewhere. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/world/europe/russia-ukraine-pokrovsk-kursk.html