Morning papers revealed Trump's expulsion of Zelenskyy was likely pre-planned, with experts noting immediate backdoor conditions offered. Moscow celebrated openly, while European leaders scrambled to reaffirm support. PKK's announcement of a March ceasefire briefly diverted attention.
By afternoon, Chancellor Scholz called Merz for consultation, while Foreign Minister Baerbock declared "a new era of ruthlessness." European preparations for Ukrainian support without US assistance dominated coverage, with British PM Starmer meeting Zelenskyy in London. Italian PM Meloni called for an emergency US-EU summit.
Evening coverage centered on Britain's announcement of major defense credits for Ukraine, while Hungarian PM Orban threatened to block EU support. German media examined the broader implications for NATO's future and European defense capabilities, particularly regarding SPD-CDU coalition negotiations.