Eurotopics.net

Vladimir Putin proposed to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Astana that Turkey could become a "gas hub", allowing Russian gas to be sold to third countries "above all in Europe". The European press agrees that Putin's offer would strengthen Turkey's international position, but hotly debates whether the move is an act of peace diplomacy.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has sparked a lively debate by defending the operation of nuclear power plants: "If we have them already running, I feel that it's a mistake to close them down in order to focus on coal," she said on a German weekly talk show. Europe's papers take different stands on the issue.

US President Joe Biden has announced consequences following last week's decision by oil cartel Opec and its allies including Russia (Opec+), to cut oil production from November. Among other potential steps he has announced that the US will "re-evaluate" its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's behaviour is a clear betrayal, commentators say, welcoming the announcement.

A 19-year-old homophobic attacker shot two men and seriously injured a waitress outside a gay bar in the Slovak capital Bratislava on Wednesday evening. He then posted hate messages against sexual minorities on social media and committed suicide, according to the police. Commentators are appalled by the crime and voice fierce criticism of the social circumstances.

Three important summits attended by leaders from Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including Vladimir Putin, are currently taking place in the Kazakh capital Astana. Observers comment on the Kremlin boss's growing isolation and ask whether he shouldn't finally be removed from office.

Three important summits with leaders from Asia and the CIS are taking place in the Kazakh capital Astana on Thursday and Friday. Vladimir Putin will also be attending, and some observers have voiced hopes that his talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will lead to advances towards peace in Ukraine. For most commentators, however, it is increasingly clear how isolated Putin has become.