Liveblog Ukraine war: Merz: attacks on Russian power plants are right

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended an EU summit in Brussels to discuss how Ukraine can survive the harsh winter of the ongoing war against Russia. The summit focused on addressing concerns over dwindling U.S. support, massive Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and significant budget shortfalls in Kyiv. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocated for increased European solidarity while pushing for cost-cutting measures in future EU budgets. Discussions included criticism of Zelenskyy’s comments on U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump signed a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some diplomats expressed frustration with Zelenskyy’s rhetoric toward Trump, though others emphasized the need to pressure Russia into ending the war rather than forcing Ukraine to surrender. Latvia’s Prime Minister Andris Kulberg proposed using frozen Russian assets (worth €210 billion) to fund Ukraine’s efforts.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation, highlighting both the challenges faced by Ukraine and the differing stances among EU leaders. It includes perspectives from multiple political figures, including criticism of Zelenskyy’s remarks but also support for continued aid. There is no明显的

taz – die tageszeitungIndependentCenter4 hr. ago

On the second day of the EU summit in Brussels, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was welcomed warmly by European leaders despite growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv. While Zelenskyy received supportive words and physical gestures of solidarity, he did not receive new promises of aid. The EU faces challenges in maintaining its relationship with the United States amid criticism from President Donald Trump, who questioned Zelenskyy's role in peace negotiations with Russia. Trump criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly hindering efforts to reach a deal with Russia and accused him of contributing to high oil prices through attacks on Russian refineries. Despite this, European leaders avoided direct confrontation with Trump, emphasizing their support for Ukraine while acknowledging their reliance on U.S. military assistance such as Starlink and Patriot systems.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation, highlighting both the support Zelenskyy received from European leaders and the criticisms from Trump. It does not favor one side over the other but rather outlines the complexities of international relations and the diplomatic balancing act the歐

Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒Center5 hr. ago

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to support Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy infrastructure despite tensions between Kyiv and Washington. Merz stated these actions are justified as they disrupt Russia's military operations and communication systems, emphasizing that Ukraine has no other options given Russia's destruction of its energy infrastructure. Merz reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine, stating their goal is to bring Russia to the negotiating table rather than prolong the war. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally declared an energy ceasefire, pressuring Ukraine not to attack Russian energy facilities to avoid disrupting the export of Russian diesel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized this deal with Putin, warning that failure to resist could lead to further agreements on Russian gas and the lifting of sanctions. Zelenskyy ordered renewed attacks on Russian energy targets after Russia violated the ceasefire. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that Ukraine will face a budget shortfall of 70 billion euros by 2027, requiring additional financial support from international partners.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both Merz's justification for Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and Zelenskyy's criticism of Trump's energy ceasefire. It includes statements from multiple political figures without overtly favoring one side over the other. The framing remains balanced, avoiding