Talks between Ukraine and Russia will begin today in Istanbul a day later than planned. Vladimir Putin, who first proposed the negotiations, will not attend. In the meantime Putin has extended Russia's defence plan by two years. The EU plans to impose new sanctions on Russia as of Tuesday.

In the Romanian presidential run-off vote on Sunday, Nicușor Dan, a pro-European independent candidate and mayor of Bucharest, is pitted against George Simion from the ultra-right AUR party. Simion scored a clear victory in the first round of the election, securing 41 percent of the vote compared to Dan's 21 percent. Tensions are running high in the commentary sections.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a U-turn in migration policy, declaring his aim of ending what he called a 'squalid chapter' of rising inward migration. Among other measures tougher requirements for obtaining work visas and citizenship are planned. For commentators, the government's proposed reforms raise fundamental questions.

On Tuesday, a Russian fighter jet briefly entered Nato airspace after the Estonian navy tried to intercept an unflagged tanker in the Baltic Sea which apparently belongs to Russia's "shadow fleet". The national press calls for consequences.

During his trip through the Gulf region, Donald Trump met for the first time with Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa. Even before the talks, which took place in the Saudi capital Riyadh, the US president announced that all sanctions against Syria would be lifted. At the same time Washington is urging Damascus to improve its ties with Israel. Europe's press examines the far-reaching consequences.

Europe is heading for an electoral super Sunday this weekend: Romania will hold the second round of its presidential election, Poland the first, and Portugal will elect a new parliament. While many have decried the decisive role Tiktok allegedly played in the Romanian election campaign, commentators from Poland and Portugal criticise the lack of debate on substantive issues.