Eurotopics.net

US President Donald Trump now believes it would be possible for Ukraine to recapture its territories which are currently occupied by Russia. With the support of Europe and Nato, a return to the original borders as they were at the start of the war is an option, he wrote on Truth Social. Until now, Trump had talked of ceding captured territory to Russia as the way to end the war. Commentators debate motives and consequences.

The Republic of Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on Sunday. The pro-European PAS party led by President Maia Sandu has been at the helm of this country of 2.6 million inhabitants over the past four years. Sandu and her party have warned repeatedly in the election campaign that Russia may try to influence the vote. Commentators see the people of Moldova facing a choice between Europe and Russian paternalism.

US broadcaster ABC has cancelled the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live. On Monday's programme Kimmel commented on the killing of Charlie Kirk and suggested that Trump's allies were trying to exploit the murder. The US president himself praised the move, which leading Democrats have criticised. Commentators take a look at how freedom of expression is faring in the land of liberty.

Hundreds of thousands of people went on strikes and demonstrated across France on Thursday to protest the government's austerity plans. Local transport was severely disrupted, many schools and pharmacies remained closed and blockades were organised at companies. Commentators see the country facing major problems.