Europe – Page 9 – Prologue Journal

Short of Heat and Power, the Breakaway Region of Transnistria Struggles Without Russian Gas

New York Times An energy crisis in Transnistria, a pro-Russian territory between Moldova and Ukraine, erupted on Jan. 1 when Moscow stopped supplying natural gas through a pipeline running across Ukraine. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/world/europe/transnistria-energy-crisis-russia-gas.html

What Is the U.K. ‘Grooming Gang’ Scandal Seized On by Elon Musk?

New York Times The billionaire tech mogul has been posting on his social media platform about a decade-old child sex abuse scandal in Britain. Here’s what to know. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/world/europe/uk-grooming-gangs-elon-musk.html

Jean-Marie Le Pen, Rabble-Rousing Leader of French Far Right, Dies at 96

New York Times He ran unsuccessfully for the French presidency five times, riding waves of discontent and xenophobia as the leader of the National Front party. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/world/europe/jean-marie-le-pen-dead.html

For Many Returning Russian Veterans, a Long Road of Recovery Awaits

New York Times A large number of soldiers return as amputees, and many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Once home, they face stigma and a grueling course of rehabilitation. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-veterans.html

Tuesday Briefing

New York Times Justin Trudeau will step down as Canada’s prime minister. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/briefing/trudeau-syria-russia.html

Elon Musk and His Megaphone, X, Rattle British Politics

New York Times With 211 million followers on social media, the multibillionaire seems intent on using his global platform to rattle British politics. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/world/europe/uk-elon-musk-far-right.html

Azerbaijani Anger Over Plane Crash Grows, in Deepening Schism With Russia

New York Times In the crash’s aftermath, Azerbaijan has unleashed rare and stinging criticism of Russia, with the country’s president saying Moscow’s response has caused “surprise, regret and rightful indignation.” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/world/europe/azerbaijan-plane-crash-russia-criticism.html

Pope Appoints Nun to Lead Vatican Department

New York Times Sister Simona Brambilla was appointed as the prefect of a Vatican office that oversees religious orders, but she may not be alone at the top. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/world/europe/pope-sister-simona-brambilla-vatican-woman.html

Austria Could Get a Far-Right Chancellor. Here’s What to Know.

New York Times The leader of the anti-immigration, pro-Russia Freedom Party has been given the chance to try to form a government after months of coalition talks among mainstream parties collapsed. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/world/europe/austria-coalition-far-right-chancellor.html

Russia Claims to Seize Key Eastern Ukraine Town of Kurakhove

New York Times Ukraine has largely been driven out of Kurakhove, a battered but strategic town in the Donbas, Russia said. Kyiv’s forces were pressing a renewed offensive in southern Russia. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/world/europe/kurakhove-russia-ukraine-war.html