  Russia's war against Ukraine

Ukraine celebrated the 34th anniversary of its declaration of independence from the former Soviet Union on Sunday - in the midst of a war in which Moscow is trying to regain control of the country. Commentators highlight key moments for a country that is having to fight for its sovereignty like no other in Europe today.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that a peacekeeping operation carried out by European troops in Ukraine would be "absolutely unacceptable" for Moscow and that at this stage a summit meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine would be premature. The Russian military has also intensified its air strikes on Ukrainian cities. Europe's press sees little scope for peace negotiations.

The leaders of five European countries attended Monday's Ukraine summit in Washington, but there were no representatives from Eastern European EU member states. Eastern European media outlets ask why these countries' support for Ukraine and their proximity to the war zone aren't giving them a more prominent role.

Following redoubled diplomatic efforts to achieve peace at the summits in Alaska and Washington, discussions are now focusing on what form the West's security guarantees for Ukraine could take. Europe's commentators look at who can provide support, and in what form, and whether such measures can deter Russia in the long run.

Following the summits in Alaska and Washington initiated by US President Donald Trump, Europe's press examines whether we are any closer to peace in Ukraine, what further steps are needed and what role individual countries can play.

In the wake of the Alaska summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of five European states, the EU and Nato convened with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to seek a solution to the war in Ukraine. According to Trump, following a phone call with Putin preparations for a meeting between the Russian leader and Zelensky are under way. The press response is mixed.

After Friday's summit in Alaska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is travelling to Washington today – accompanied by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several European leaders – to discuss the future of Ukraine with US President Donald Trump. Commentators review what Europe must do to make itself heard in the White House and the Kremlin.

Following the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, both sides praised the good atmosphere and constructive talks, but no concrete results were apparent. Europe's press takes stock.

All eyes are on Alaska, where Donald Trump is meeting Vladimir Putin this Friday - the first such encounter between a sitting US president and the Russian President since 2021. The focus of the talks will be ways to end the war in Ukraine. Commentators alternate between optimism and doubt.

In the run-up to Friday's Alaska summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, several European leaders participated in a video conference with the US president, laying out key points for possible peace talks, including a ceasefire based on the current front line and security guarantees for Ukraine. The media assess the chances of success.

Ahead of the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has invited European leaders to a virtual summit. The participating countries - including Ukraine - aim to coordinate a common stance and convey it to the US. Commentators assess the motives of those involved.

Following a verbal exchange with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, US President Trump has announced that he will send two US nuclear submarines to "appropriate regions". The details remain confidential. Prior to this, Medvedev had criticised the US ultimatum to Russia to end the war in Ukraine, saying it was a threat and a step towards war, which Trump in turn described as "foolish and inflammatory". The European press takes stock.

US President Donald Trump has shortened the 50-day deadline he set in July as an ultimatum to Russia and given President Putin just ten more days to agree to a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine. After that, Russia's trade partners could face tariffs of up to 100 percent, he warned. Commentators debate the consequences of the announcement.

Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv met in Istanbul on Wednesday for a third round of negotiations, and agreed on a prisoner swap. A glance at the commentaries points to a deadlock and irreconcilable positions on the question of a ceasefire.

Volodymyr Zelensky will restore the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities. Following fierce criticism from both Ukrainians and his Western allies, the president announced that he would submit a new bill to parliament repealing the regulations passed this week. What conclusions can be drawn from this sudden reversal?

US President Donald Trump has adopted a harsher tone vis-à-vis Russia. He announced on Monday that Ukraine is to be equipped with Nato-financed US weapons, including Patriot missiles, and that if an agreement to end the war wasn't reached within 50 days, Washington will impose punitive tariffs of up to 100 percent on Russia and its trading partners. Europe's press takes a look at the potential impact of this new rhetoric.

The Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has launched proceedings against Vitaliy Shabunin, the head of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre and one of the country's best-known civil society activists. Because he also serves as a volunteer in the army, he is now accused of evading military service and using an army vehicle for private purposes. The media sound the alarm.

Shortly after Ukraine was hit by the heaviest airstrikes since the start of Russia's large-scale invasion in 2022, the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference is taking place in Rome on 10 and 11 July. The EU has advocated a reconstruction fund for critical sectors, to be supplemented by private investment, while President Zelensky has called for assistance with drone production, energy supplies and air defence, as well as the release of frozen Russian funds for reconstruction.

Last week the Pentagon pulled the plug on sending weapons to Ukraine. Now Donald Trump has overturned the decision – and is reportedly looking into whether the US can deliver an additional Patriot missile defence system. He also condemned Vladimir Putin for throwing "a lot of bullshit" while "killing a lot of people". Europe's press anaylses the latest mood swing in the White House.

Russia's Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was fired from his post on Monday without explanation. A few hours later he was found shot dead in his car. Investigations into his death are still underway but the authorities are treating it as suicide. Commentators link the incident with the incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russia's Kursk region in 2024, where Starovoit had been governor since 2019.

The US government plans to halt deliveries of certain weapons to Ukraine. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said on Wednesday that a comprehensive review was underway to determine which weapons systems would be affected, but that there were still robust options for the provision of military aid to the country. Commentators discuss motives and potential consequences.

After a second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on 2 June in Istanbul, another prisoner swap has been agreed but the two countries are no closer to a ceasefire. European commentators discuss what steps could end the war.