Irish Examiner view: Strong German leadership vital as Ukraine war approaches first anniversary

German Leopard 2 tanks crucial to Ukraine holding off Russian offensives expected this spring

German chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, speaks to the lawmakers in the German parliament Bundestag in Berlin. Picture: Markus Schreiber

The war in Ukraine is approaching its first anniversary — something seen as unlikely in the very early days of the conflict, when many expected that Russia’s military might might quickly overwhelm its neighbour.

The notion of Russian military might has itself taken a battering in the 11 months since, while the conflict has also served to illustrate some delicate truths about diplomacy, politics, and trade — and Germany’s central importance in Europe.