The Ukraine conflict has increasingly attracted international attention in recent months, with diplomacy and military support from the West playing a crucial role. Particularly in regard to potential ceasefire negotiations and the influence of great powers such as the US and Russia, pressing questions are emerging. In an interview, political scientist Dr. Frank Umbach from the Cassis University of Bonn discusses the current developments and offers a critical perspective on Europe's role in the negotiations.

In an interview with the RTL Nachtjournal, Russia expert Joachim Weber discusses the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict and the geopolitical influence of President Vladimir Putin. Weber analyzes Putin's strategy, which aims at exhausting Ukraine, and provides an outlook on the future dynamics of the crisis, especially concerning the European and American stance.

In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and international efforts to find a solution, the role of European states is becoming increasingly important. From the American perspective, European partners are expected to take on more responsibility – both militarily and financially. A central symbol of this change is the recent move to strengthen the NATO Contact Group for Ukraine, with the United Kingdom now assuming the chairmanship. This development reflects the expectation that Europe will be more involved in the future security guarantees and financing for Ukraine.

In a world where global sea routes are indispensable for trade, energy supply, and communication, the ocean is increasingly becoming a strategic battleground. In light of growing threats from hybrid attacks and geopolitical tensions, particularly in relation to Russia, China, and other authoritarian actors, Europe is facing an urgent challenge. Dr. Moritz Brake, an expert in security and defense policy, highlights the need to strengthen Europe's maritime resilience in his guest article to secure maritime infrastructure and geopolitical stability.

The European Union stands at a turning point in its geopolitical development. As uncertainty in international politics grows, current geopolitical analyses show that Europe has the potential to redefine its role as a global power. The article explores how European sovereignty, military competitiveness, and strategic cooperation between European states could become Europe's key strengths in the coming years.

The political landscape in Germany is facing a decisive election, where uncertainty and divisions dominate the mood. The leading parties, primarily the SPD, CDU, and FDP, are under pressure to mobilize their electorate as political confrontations intensify. The election campaign is shaped not only by promises of continuity but also by deep divisions and controversial issues.

In the WDR 5 Tagesgespräch on February 10, 2025, political scientist Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberger discusses the significant impact of personality traits such as sympathy and authenticity on the perception of the Chancellor candidates. In addition to a detailed analysis of the five nominated candidates, Kronenberger emphasizes that the responsibility of the incumbent Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, plays a central role in the current political situation.

The war in Ukraine has not only military but also significant political and strategic consequences for Europe. Experts like Viktoria Boiko and Hans-Dieter Heumann warn against dangerous illusions of a quick peace. They emphasize that Russia has weakened Europe's ability to act through hybrid warfare, which jeopardizes support for Ukraine. An early attempt at peace, when Russia is in a strong position and Ukraine in a weak negotiating position, could have severe consequences for European security.