The arrest of five teenagers from the "Letzte Verteidigungswelle" neo-Nazi terror cell dominated early coverage, with details emerging about their plans to attack refugee homes. Morning headlines also focused on Germany's economic stagnation, with the Council of Economic Experts revising growth forecasts to zero percent for 2025.
By midday, Trump's Ukraine policy shift gained prominence. After his call with Putin from previous days, reports indicated Trump was abandoning Europe to find its own solution to the Ukraine war, shocking Chancellor Merz. Defense Minister Pistorius criticized this "worst possible position" while Russian media celebrated a "victory in global poker."
Later reports suggested Russia could be preparing for potential NATO confrontation by 2027, as Trump blocked new sanctions against Moscow. The day closed with Trump creating diplomatic tension during South African President Ramaphosa's White House visit by making unexpected genocide accusations regarding South Africa's treatment of white farmers.