Resistance Futile? What Europe Must Learn from the War on Ukraine.

The renowned historian and Eastern Europe expert Karl Schlögel, recipient of the 2025 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, warned early on about Vladimir Putin’s aggressive imperialism and the West’s naïve infatuation with Russia. Yet Russia’s assault on Ukraine and the United States’ growing disengagement from Europe should not lead to withdrawal or frustration. For Schlögel, alongside all the shock and sorrow, this moment also presents a challenge—and within it, an opportunity.

In conversation with Eastern Europe specialist Cathrin Kahlweit, he discusses the fate and future of Ukraine, Donald Trump’s dealings with Vladimir Putin, and Europe’s role in an increasingly rule‑less, authoritarian world. Markus Meyer reads from Schlögel’s latest book, Auf der Sandbank der Zeit (On the Sandbank of Time).

The talk will be in German.

Tickets and more information: Eine Bühne für Osteuropa | Burgtheater

Eine Bühne für Osteuropa – A stage for Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe has been in a permanent state of upheaval – since the fall of communism in 1989, since the eastward expansion, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, and not least since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Cathrin Kahlweit, expert on Eastern Europe, publicist and long-time SZ correspondent, sheds light on the current situation in Eastern Europe in discussions with prominent guests as part of the series »Eine Bühne für Osteuropa«. This series of talks is a collaborative production of  Burgtheater and ERSTE Foundation. Media partner is DIE PRESSE.

Header picture: Eine Bühne für Osteuropa, Akademietheater © eSeL.at—Robert Puteanu