Prologue Journal – Page 32537 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Belarus could host talks on Ukraine — Belarusian security official

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Alexander Volfovich also noted that Minsk “is considering China’s timely initiatives to settle the conflict in Ukraine” https://tass.com/world/1622333

Kiev non-committal about security guarantees for Zaporozhye NPP — senior Russian diplomat

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Sergey Ryabkov also said that he was against any “destructive practices” that prevented a steady power supply to the nuclear facility https://tass.com/politics/1622335

Hong Kong No 2 official Eric Chan warns of course deregistration for government-subsidised educational classes promoted as good for emigration

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Chief secretary tells lawmakers course providers asked to submit promotional materials to check they are in line with aims of Continuing Education Fund. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3221714/hong-kong-no-2-official-eric-chan-warns-course-deregistration-government-subsidised-educational?utm_source=rss_feed

West deliberately provokes conflicts in Africa, Latin America, says Lavrov

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. According to the top diplomat, the most recent example of such Western policies is the situation in Sudan https://tass.com/politics/1622329

Russia displays items stolen from historical reserve near Melitopol at Crimean museum

Pravda Ukraine In Sevastopol, Crimea, the local Russian occupation administration is holding an exhibition displaying items stolen from the Kamiana Mohyla (Stone Grave) historical and archeological reserve located near Melitopol (in the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast). https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/05/24/7403672/

Governors of Central Banks of Iran, Russia discuss bilateral payments

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. It is noted that the use of national currencies in relations between the two countries and the buildup of the bilateral settlements system are part of this roadmap https://tass.com/economy/1622327

After Global Energy Shock, Price Collapse Provides Unexpected Economic Boon

Wall Street Journal Natural-gas prices are in retreat around the world, a windfall for the global economy. But the outlook isn’t entirely positive, as the price drop is also a symptom of slowing activity. https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-global-energy-shock-price-collapse-provides-unexpected-economic-boon-8c2b6660

Weird Winter Put Bay Area Beekeepers to the Test

New York Times Backyard beekeeping has risen in popularity in the Bay Area, but a brisk and rainy winter proved challenging for the novices. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/24/us/bay-area-beekeeping-california.html

Chinese technique to squeeze low-carbon compounds from coal could be game-changer

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A new synthesis technique known as OXZEO has doubled the reaction yield for the raw material used in all kinds of industrial products. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3221586/chinese-technique-squeeze-low-carbon-compounds-coal-could-be-game-changer?utm_source=rss_feed

Russian Indicted in U.S. Lobbies for Freedom Through a Prisoner Swap

Wall Street Journal Bitcoin exchange operator Alexander Vinnik, facing money-laundering charges, pushes to be part of any deal that could free Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. https://www.wsj.com/articles/russian-indicted-in-u-s-lobbies-for-freedom-through-a-prisoner-swap-8b15b7c8