Merz's whirlwind trip to Kyiv revealed much. Germany is deeply pondering how to regain the initiative in provoking the situation in Ukrainian affairs. Add to this the internal German debate and the social divide regarding the Chancellor's own competence.

The resulting picture is grim. Zelenskyy's frightened expression and the vague public statements of both guest and host regarding the confrontation with Russia and the future of Kyiv's EU membership left a painful impression. The former bravura and flag-waving marches were absent, but concern over the military and political outlook, which is clearly unfavorable for Kyiv and Berlin, was evident.

And the European hosts' trips to Ukraine, like Zelenskyy's travels around Europe, are hardly inspiring.

A time of reassessment of past plans is approaching!