FT News Briefing The war in Ukraine, four years later
72 snips
Feb 24, 2026 
Anne-Sylvaine Chasseney, Berlin bureau chief covering German politics and trade with China, and Ben Hall, Europe editor tracking the Ukraine war and negotiations. They discuss Merz’s China visit and strains on German industry. They outline stalled ceasefire talks, territorial disputes and shifting European responses. The conversation blends geopolitics, trade tensions and the war’s broader impact.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Press China On Trade Or Expect Protectionist Steps
- Germany is urging China to play fair on trade or face European protectionist measures.
- Anne-Sylvaine Chasseney explains Merz will push Xi on overcapacity, subsidies, and 'made in Europe' rules to curb cheap Chinese imports.
China's Exports Have Crippled Key German Industries
- Chinese exports to Germany are booming while German exports, especially cars, have fallen sharply in recent years.
- Anne-Sylvaine Chasseney highlights two-thirds of German car exports to China have disappeared in the past three years, hurting industry growth.
Ceasefire Talks Have Stalled Despite Technical Progress
- Four years on, ceasefire talks have largely stalled because neither side feels enough pressure to make major concessions.
- Ben Hall says negotiations are stuck on territorial concessions and security guarantees despite military talks on enforcement showing some progress.