World taz
Telephone conversation with Putin: storm in a teacup
In the EU, vanity still counts more than determination. So Europe plays no role in war and peace on its own continent. more...
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It is shameful what the EU is currently celebrating again in terms of foreign policy. While the US President is pushing for a direct meeting between Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelensky and Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin - out of economic interests - European countries are arguing about how to deal with Russia.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accuses Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of going it alone. The two were already beaten enough to have had to listen to Putin's monologue for almost an hour and a half on Tuesday about Slavic peoples in the Middle Ages and his resulting interpretation of why Russia must get the Ukrainian Donbass. And then there was also the scolding from Denmark and Sweden for having called the Kremlin boss without coordination with other European countries.
Apparently vanity still counts for more than determination in the EU. The determination to get involved in such a way that Europe has a seat at the table in negotiations about war and peace on its own continent. And to be happy that there is (still) agreement in Europe on the Ukraine issue with Norway and Great Britain beyond the EU states.
The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. We have been arguing in our comments, essays and debate texts since the taz was founded in 1979. We often cannot and do not want to agree on an opinion. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.
Europe must stand resolutely on Ukraine's side and coordinate negotiating steps with Kyiv - which Støre and Stubb did with Zelensky and US negotiator Steve Witkoff in Oslo.
Instead of igniting a storm in the Baltic Sea teacup, every European country would have to do the maximum to bring Putin to the negotiating table: Denmark with robust action against Moscow's shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea. Belgium by confiscating the Russian billions frozen there. Germany with arms deliveries and financial aid to Kyiv and its traditional relations with Russia.
Only then can Europe play a role in a conflict that has now lasted four and a half years.