We discuss the drivers behind Putin scaling back this year’s Victory Day commemorations. Then: The Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire teeters and former FBI director James Comey faces fresh charges from the Trump administration.

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Keir Starmer’s days as PM might be numbered as MPs vote on an inquiry into his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Then: Friedrich Merz nears one year as German chancellor with historically low approval ratings. Plus: breaking news with Manus Cranny as the UAE leaves Opec.

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King Charles III goes to Washington to rescue the special relationship and France is talking about Jordan Bardella’s love affair with a Sicilian princess. What is it with our royal fascination? Plus: how Germany’s Bundeswehr plans to lead Europe’s military rearmament and ‘madman theory’ with James D Boys.

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Emma Nelson takes on Rob Bound in the weekly quiz and Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton round up their week at Salone del Mobile. Plus: An alternative look at the recent news cycle.

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As more ships are seized in and around the Strait of Hormuz and an uneasy ceasefire continues, our panel assesses which countries are best equipped – politically and economically – to withstand the shocks that continue to reverberate around the world. 

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We explore US president Donald Trump’s ceasefire extension and how Iran has seemingly managed to control much of the narrative without even attending talks in Islamabad – and also through an extraordinary amount of memes. 

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Hungary is poised to end its blockade of an EU loan for Ukraine while Sweden suggests that Russia is hiding its economic troubles. Plus: auditions for the next United Nations secretary general begin in New York. Then: an interview with Venetian chef Simon Piovesan. 

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After Keir Starmer pleads ignorance over Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting, how long can he survive as UK leader? We explore Europe’s changing democratic landscape. Plus: Horse-meat pies have become a menu staple in Auckland.

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Rob Bound and Andrew Mueller quiz each other on this week’s headlines. Then: a design perspective on Donald Trump’s Jesus memes and what to see at the the world’s leading trade fair for furniture and interiors. 

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France and the UK are to meet with “non-belligerent” countries to discuss how best to police the waterway after a ceasefire. How will excluding the US play out? Plus: the UK rejoins the EU’s Erasmus exchange scheme.

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The first meeting between officials since 1993 but will diplomacy make a difference? We discuss what can be achieved as Lebanon and Israel agree to direct negotiations, while attacks between Hezbollah and Israel continue. Plus: Democrats want JD Vance to help oust Trump and Hungary’s Péter Magyar comes out swinging.

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