Russian President Vladimir Putin received Donald Trump's chief negotiator on Ukraine, Steve Witkoff, in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday. According to Moscow, it was agreed that trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US would resume. Witkoff had met with European representatives and Volodymyr Zelensky in Oslo before heading to Saint Petersburg. The media discuss the prospects of a peaceful resolution against the backdrop of Trump's new hard line on Ukraine.

School pupils and university students are taking to the streets in France, and protesters rioted and looted businesses in Milan, prompting Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to deploy troops to the city. High rents, social inequality and a lack of prospects are fuelling discontent. Commentators look at whether politicians should crack down further or introduce reforms to address the problems of the younger generation.

Libya's eastern parliament has unanimously approved the maritime border agreement that the Government of National Accord signed with Turkey in 2019, five years after rejecting it in 2020. This means it is now recognised by both parts of the country. The European Commission does not recognise the deal, which redefines territorial boundaries, and has backed Greece and Cyprus, which consider the agreement unlawful.

According to media reports, the VW Group is planning a five-year wage freeze in the face of significant overcapacities and weak sales figures. Its 660,000 employees across the globe fear further cuts as a result of the austerity measures, and trade unions are threatening with strikes. Europe's press debates whether VW CEO Oliver Blume's tough measures are necessary or will only exacerbate the carmaker's problems.

In a bid to prevent further violence and looting after the widespread unrest on the weekend, curfews have been imposed in certain areas of major cities across France. Meanwhile, the Yellow Vests movement has announced new demonstrations for Saturday in protest at the high cost of living. As the 2027 presidential election draws closer, the media discuss the political and economic consequences of the unrest.