Eurotopics.net

Ukraine is to hold a snap election for a new parliament on Sunday. According to the polls the party of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had phone conversations with Putin for the first time in recent days, is likely to capitalise on voter frustration with the established parties. The new party Opposition Platform - For Life, which is seen as Moscow's voice in Kiev, is also running for election. But who is the Kremlin really backing?

Donald Trump tweeted that four rising Democrats should return to their home countries and solve problems there instead of trying to give the US advice. Although he mentioned no names, he was clearly referring to four Congresswomen of colour known as "the squad". Commentators are aghast at his overt racism.

Heatwaves, droughts and other extreme weather events are generally considered to be symptoms of climate change. According to a new study, nothing would be as effective to combat it as afforestation on a gigantic scale. Yet other measures, for example a carbon tax, are also being debated. Commentators discuss the enormous challenges that climate mitigation entails.

Despite the opposition of the US and threats of sanctions the delivery of Russian S-400 missiles to NATO member Turkey has begun. Turkey even wants to build the missile defence system jointly with Russia in the future. Commentators suspect Turkish President Erdoğan is pursuing a clear strategic goal.