Prologue Journal – Page 247 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Russian forces advance in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, DeepState analysts say

Pravda Ukraine Ukrainian military analysts DeepState reported on the night of 18-19 March that Russian forces were advancing towards populated areas in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts. Source: DeepState Details: The Russians advanced near Nevske in Kharkiv Oblast and near Pryvilne in Donetsk Oblast. Background: As of 22:00 on 18 March, 120 combat engagements had occurred…

Before Nita Lowey died, Trump’s DOGE eviscerated the $250M Middle East peace fund named for her

Jerusalem Post MEPPA was the largest investment in civil society peace efforts—now its future hangs in the balance. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-846640

Why Cantonese opera in Hong Kong needs Sunbeam Theatre

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Preserving the theatre means preserving a piece of the city’s cultural identity, affirming Cantonese opera as part of our heritage. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3302695/why-cantonese-opera-hong-kong-needs-sunbeam-theatre?utm_source=rss_feed

UK policy may lead to total destruction of Ukraine — Russian ambassador

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. In his words, the United Kingdom has chosen to go into confrontation https://tass.com/politics/1930477

Trump Officials Say Deportees Were Gang Members. So Far, Few Details.

New York Times Families and immigration lawyers argue not all of the deportees sent to a prison in El Salvador over the weekend had ties to gangs. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/us/trump-deportations-venezuela-gang.html

Mexico City Bans Traditional Bullfights for Violence-Free Option

New York Times Showdowns between men and bulls can still go on, but the animals can no longer be hurt or killed. Some bullfighting proponents said the law imperils an ancient tradition. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/world/americas/mexico-city-bans-traditional-bullfights.html

Taiwan shares open down

Taipei, March 19 (CNA) The Taiwan Stock Exchange’s main index opened down 26.25 points at 22,245.42 Wednesday on turnover of NT$4.14 billion (US$125 million). https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202503190002

Houthis claim to have carried out fourth attack on US aircraft carrier

Jerusalem Post https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-846639

Why China is likely to roll out the red carpet for interim Bangladeshi leader Yunus

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Muhammad Yunus’ visit next week comes at a time of deteriorating Bangladesh-India ties as Beijing and New Delhi vie for regional influence. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3302897/why-china-likely-roll-out-red-carpet-interim-bangladeshi-leader-yunus?utm_source=rss_feed

Ex-lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting files bid to appeal against rioting conviction and jail term linked to 2019 Yuen Long attack

Hong Kong Free Press Former Hong Kong lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting has launched an appeal against his guilty conviction and 37-month jail sentence for rioting during the Yuen Long mob attack in 2019. Hong Kong former lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting. File photo: Lam Cheuk-ting, via Facebook. The Democratic Party member, who was among seven men found guilty…