Ukraine will lose the war against Russia. This is written by Welt am Sonntag’s editor-in-chief Jacques Schuster in a widely discussed opinion piece in the German newspaper.

Schuster argues that it is time to “face the facts – soberly, ruthlessly, painfully”; that Ukraine is locked in a war of attrition it cannot win.

Even though Russian losses are enormous, Russia has the capacity to continue a war it sees as existential. In contrast, Ukraine cannot do the same—militarily, socially, or economically—despite all support, Schuster argues.

Sparking Reactions

Since the shift of power in the White House, the USA has refused to continue supporting Ukraine. The International Monetary Fund estimates that the loans and support provided by Europe cover only a third of Ukraine’s needs. This means Ukraine is at risk of a state bankruptcy.

In addition, there is growing discontent within the EU about how much money should be invested in the war. Altogether, Jacques Schuster believes, this paints a bleak picture of the future. He advocates a negotiated peace with the Kremlin, hoping the West can convince Putin not to try to occupy the entire country.

Die Welt is one of Germany’s major daily newspapers, and Welt am Sonntag is one of the country’s largest Sunday editions. The Die Welt editorial staff has become known for its clearly pro-Ukrainian stance during the war, more so than other German media, which have often chosen a more restrained or neutral approach.

The fact that Welt am Sonntag’s editor-in-chief Jacques Schuster is writing an opinion piece stating that Ukraine will lose the war is therefore drawing some reactions.