Your Wednesday Briefing: Ukraine Cracks Down on Corruption
Also, another mass shooting in California and New Zealand’s next leader.
International Relations
Can Germany Be a Great Military Power Again?
Leery of Russian aggression, Europe’s economic giant is making a historic attempt to revitalize its armed forces. It has a long way to go.
China’s Mad Dash Into the Solomon Islands Breeds Resentment
For years, Beijing has thrown its wealth and weight across the globe. But its experience in the Solomon Islands calls into question its approach to expanding its power.
Zelensky Urges Ukrainians to Remain Unified
On a day meant to mark the unification of Ukraine in 1919, the country’s leader said it was vital for Ukrainians of all regions to bind together.
Your Monday Briefing: A Lunar New Year Shooting
Also, New Zealand’s next leader and a Lunar New Year travel surge in China.
Germany’s Reluctance on Tanks Stems From Its History and Its Politics
A post-Nazi aversion to war and a commitment to promoting peace through engagement combines with an old fixation on Russia and a deep aversion to leading militarily.
Ukraine Holds Out Hope for Tanks Amid Growing Frustration With Germany
While Germany has not yet made a decision on whether to send Leopard 2s to Ukraine, a Kyiv official said his country’s soldiers would begin training on them.
Taiwan’s Top Diplomat in Washington Walks a Delicate Line
Taiwan’s representative, Bi-khim Hsiao, calls herself a “cat warrior” walking a delicate diplomatic line. China calls her a troublemaker who could trigger a war.
A Hit French Novel Tries to Explain Putin. Too Well, Some Critics Say.
A popular novel, “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” presents a sympathetic portrait of the Russian leader, critics say, raising concerns that it might influence national policy toward the Ukraine war.
Allies Fail to Agree on Sending Tanks to Ukraine
Officials tried to play down the rift. But Germany is still insisting it will not be the country to take the first step alone, for fear of incurring Moscow’s wrath.