The response to the threat of Russian aggression is far from unified. Vitali Klitschko, the former world heavyweight boxing champion turned mayor of Kyiv, has accused Germany of “betraying” Ukraine. 

In a guest editorial for Germany’s highest-selling newspaper today, Mr Klitschko took aim at Berlin for its ban on arms exports to Ukraine and its continued support for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline with Russia. 

Germany is also blocking Estonia from sending howitzers to Ukraine under a veto that was a condition of their original export from Germany. 

Read why Mr Klitschko said “Putin sympathisers have seized control”.

Market confidence rocked

The economic consequences of the crisis are beginning to show, with US equity markets slumping again at the open as investors become increasingly spooked by the geopolitical crisis in Ukraine and the Fed tightening monetary policy. 

Matthew Lynn argues that Joe Biden’s clueless approach to Ukraine, along with a German leadership that seems intent on turning the country into a Russian satellite, and a French President who sees it as another opportunity for grand-standing rhetoric, is encouraging Russia’s President to invade. 

Read how this is already playing havoc with market confidence, – and the many other reasons why Mr Biden’s ineptitude has killed off the bull market.

Join Ukraine webinar

So, can war be prevented? Reports from the ground indicate Ukraine has gained a greater sense of itself since 2013, thanks in part to Russia’s invasion. 

The West may not need to send in troops and by flying in weaponry and setting up economic sanctions, we may be threatening to turn this crisis into Putin’s Vietnam. 

Yet Tim Stanley analyses the ways that more is at stake if Europe betrays Ukraine in what America may see as a small war, far away. 

If you have questions you want answered, join our webinar on the crisis with Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant and Moscow Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva.

Comment and analysis

Around the world: Man injures four in ‘long gun attack’

A gunman shot and injured four people, one critically, in the German university town of Heidelberg today. The gunman then turned the gun on himself, police confirmed. The gunman was described as being armed with a “long gun”, presumably a rifle or shotgun. The shooter, a student, reportedly opened fire in the lecture hall. Investigators said that he had no political or religious motives. See pictures from the scene.

Monday interview

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