Eurotopics.net

According to scientists at Yale University, the sanctions have caused massive damage to the Russian economy. At the same time the EU, and Germany in particular, are facing the prospect of major gas shortages in the coming winter - with significant socio-economic consequences. A look at Europe's press shows that it is not yet clear who will lose most in the end.

Across Europe, farmers are grappling with the consequences of drought this summer: in Romania, sunflowers and maize are drying up in the fields, and in Italy's Po Valley, the rice harvest has been written off entirely. In almost all of France's 96 departments, there are already restrictions on drinking water consumption. Europe's media discuss ways to deal with water shortages.

A private video that was leaked to the public shows an Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin partying and dancing with friends. Commenting on the video, Marin said she lamented that it had become public but denied any wrongdoing. Europe's press is impressed, but also sees reason for concern.

The exact cause of the latest explosions in Crimea, which Russia has occupied since 2014, has yet to be identified. Russia says "sabotage" was behind the blasts and has announced it will investigate evidence of a drone attack on the arms depot. Commentators speculate on what action Russian President Vladimir Putin will take.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Tuesday that Israel had committed "50 massacres, 50 holocausts" against Palestinians since 1947. On Wednesday, he qualified the statement saying he had not meant to question the uniqueness of the Holocaust. For commentators, Abbas' behaviour is not the only cause for criticism here.