Eurotopics.net

The Russian war against Ukraine has shaken certainties and dashed hopes of a peaceful world order after the Cold War. Comments in the European press reflect the painful arrival in this for some all-too-familiar new reality.

So far Spain had maintained a neutral stance in the conflict over Western Sahara. Now, a letter from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Moroccan King Mohammad VI has been made public in which he says that Spain considers the incorporation of Western Sahara into Moroccan territory as an autonomous region as the "most realistic and credible basis" for resolving the conflict. Algeria has recalled its ambassador to Madrid in protest.

The Algerian War officially ended with the signing of the Évian Agreement 60 years ago. Despite the agreed ceasefire, violence continued until the country achieved independence from France on 5 July 1962. Commentators take stock of how well the parties are coming to terms with the past.

Bombardments and assaults on hospitals, residential areas and civilians are all officially classified as war crimes. The International Criminal Court thus opened an investigation into Russia's attacks on Ukraine as early as 3 March. Last Wednesday, US President Joe Biden openly called Vladimir Putin a war criminal. Commentators examine what calling Putin a war criminal - and taking legal action against him - can achieve.

In Russia, anyone who reports independently on the war in Ukraine faces prison. In several Western countries, channels that broadcast Kremlin propaganda have been banned. At the same time, misinformation is on the rise, spread via websites and social networks. Europe's press comments on the war over public opinion.