A war that drags on… The Russians who are progressing slowly but surely in Ukrainian territory… Western support, particularly American, which is weakening… The Europeans who could become more involved… What future for Ukraine?
« Consultations are intensifying between Europeans around Ukraine, relieving The Cross in Paris. Firstly because this country is in difficulty facing Russia, in the war of aggression led by Vladimir Putin since February 2022. Then because the day is approaching when Donald Trump takes office in the White House – the January 20 next. The future president of the United States has explained on numerous occasions that he would push for a rapid resolution of this conflict, even if at the cost of more or less reciprocal concessions. »
Europeans seem to want to get moving, notes The Cross : ils « are committed to “supporting Ukraine on the irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including membership of NATO”: this is what the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom as well as the high representative of the European Union. The message is addressed to Moscow, but also to Washington. »
However, tempers the newspaper, “ to make a difference, it will take more than declarations. »
The sending of European troops is making progress…
Exactly, ” sending troops to Ukraine, soon the end of a European taboo? », asks Time in Geneva.
Well apparently, answers the Swiss daily. “ Emmanuel Macron had already mentioned this option in February, not without causing controversy. She is being resurrected. » Car, “Donald Trump dictates the tone. As recently as Sunday, he called kyiv and Moscow for an “immediate ceasefire”. Europeans fear being relegated to the rank of passive observers of a “deal” to freeze the conflict from which they would be excluded. They do not want to “endure” negotiations which also concern their own security. It is in this context that allied countries have recently indicated that they would be ready to consider sending troops to Ukrainian soil. »
Three options would be considered by the Europeans, it is understood Time. First option: a peacekeeping or observer mission in the form of a “light presence” along the line of contact. (…) Another option, more offensive, but still within the framework of a ceasefire: a deterrent force. The European force would be placed in the path of the Russians, on the front line. Which means that in the event of further aggression, Russia would attack both Ukraine and the Europeans, and trigger a full military response. (…) Finally, the most radical – and most taboo – scenario is to send European troops directly to the front to support the Ukrainian armed forces. »
Towards the creation of a European army?
For the Corriere Della Sera in Rome, it is now time for our continent to do its part. (…) The time has come for all those who, over the last two years, have spoken of the creation of a “European army” to follow up on their words, says the Italian daily. At least so that a contingent of 200,000 men can be formed and deployed in Ukraine. Not now, but once the war is over, to ensure the survival of what remains of the tormented country. This European contingent will have to counter with arms any possible attempt by Putin’s armies to cross these borders and any equally possible attempt at Ukrainian revenge. This European offer of an important interposition buffer between Russia and Ukraine could be, still estimates the Corriere Della Sera, the only argument capable (perhaps) of convincing Putin and Zelensky to now accept a peace, albeit fragile. »
Mazan trial: continuation and end…
Finally, also on the front page, in France, the verdict of the Mazan trial expected this morning… And the international press is still as passionate about this extraordinary case. THE Guardian in London, The Country in Spain, or even the New York Times devote long papers to the final moments of the trial. A trial which is “ one of the most publicized, impactful and globalized of the last decade », says The Country.
For the Guardianno surprises to expect: “ this trial for mass rape which shocked France and horrified the whole world should end this Thursday with the sentencing to 20 years in prison of Dominique Pelicot, who admitted to having drugged his ex-wife, Gisèle, and invited strangers to rape her. »
