Eurotopics.net

Despite tougher sanctions, the war in Ukraine continues to escalate and the situation is becoming increasingly devastating for the country's population. Calls for new rounds of negotiations on an immediate ceasefire are growing louder, and the Vatican has offered to mediate. Europe's press is sceptical about whether new talks between Russia and Ukraine can bring progress.

War is also a battle for public opinion. To prevent Russian propaganda in the West, the EU wants to ban Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik from broadcasting. For its part, the Kremlin is banning independent broadcasters in Russia and tightening its media laws. Without equating the scope of censorship, media in eastern and western Europe appeal for freedom of opinion.

For days now, European media have been covering the war in Ukraine around the clock, often stressing that these events are taking place in the middle of Europe. More distant conflicts receive less attention and refugees from other crisis areas less solidarity, commentators criticise.

The war in Ukraine is also having repercussions on international cultural life: Russian star conductor Valery Gergiev lost his post as chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra after he failed to publicly distance himself from his friend Vladimir Putin. Performances by opera star Anna Netrebko, who said on the weekend that she was against artists being forced to reveal their political beliefs, have also been cancelled. Europe's press analyses the pros and cons of such views.