"The Kremlin's message itself that it cannot agree to end the battles due to the fact that its own troops are moving forward and the Ukrainians will usage the break in battles to grow their defensive positions shows that Putin has not changed his war goals," writes "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung".
Since his fast attack failed, he has hoped that Ukraine will not be able to fight indefinitely and that its supporters besides become tired of war (...). That is why it was all the more crucial that Merz, Macron, Starmer and Tusk went to Kiev immediately after the election of the fresh German Chancellor and as a united Europe brought Trump on board," the commentator points out.
In his opinion, even without Washington's involvement, Europeans will gotta scope for the announced sanctions if Putin is not ready to hold his fire. The Europeans' willingness to support the Ukrainians in their fight against Putin, even for their own interests, must besides be reflected in their support in the form of weapons. "Will Merz take the bull by the horns? In Kiev he avoided questions about Taurus" – we read.
What is Ukraine worth?
In the opinion of "Süddeutsche Zeitung" the yet European journey to Kiev was so meaningful that Putin had to react. "Now he proposes direct talks with Ukraine, but for now he does not agree to the ceasefire that Europe and the US are demanding. Instead, the Kremlin continues its celebrated game on time to proceed the war without provoking the American President" (...), states the Munich Journal.
Thus, the most crucial issue in the war in Ukraine is who will last longer. Putin thinks he inactive has adequate time. On the another hand, Europeans are determined to endure, but conflict with budgetary constraints and depend on an unpredictable ally across the Atlantic. president Trump is losing patience. If it completely withdraws, Europeans will gotta prove to themselves what Ukraine is truly worth to them," the diary says.
Do not repeat errors
According to the regional diary "Südkurier" from Constance, actions must first appear, then words. "Chancellor Merz is right, taking careful approach to Putin's offer of talks. besides frequently his announcements proved to be a waste of time, besides frequently he played a willing to negotiate, while at the same time he ordered the bombing of flat blocks, restaurants and clinics in Ukraine. How serious the leader in the Kremlin is about the case this time, we'll see. If negotiations take place again in Istanbul, as happened in 2022 shortly after the Russian invasion began, the parties active cannot repeat the mistakes of that time. 1 of them was that Western supporters of Ukraine were not prepared to warrant the safety of the country. Russia besides demanded veto rights to prevent another states from intervening in the event of a conflict. This time, negotiating groups cannot make specified conceptual mistakes again. Only then could the guns be silent soon" - the commentator points out,
"The joint speech of 4 European heads of state has made it clear that support for Ukraine remains unwavering" – he estimates "Heilbronner Stimme".
He writes: "It was besides surely helpful that US president Trump sent clear warnings to Putin. Putin should know that in the long run he will not last alone with his allies from China or North Korea. But what concerns him besides concerns Ukraine and the West: no 1 can now insist on maximum claims. There are besides many dead, and all day there are besides many on both sides. Therefore, this war will besides end in negotiations. Finally, we will gotta make bitter concessions. It can be called unjust, but there is no reasonable alternative."
