The Monocle Daily The US and Russia meet in Riyadh
Mar 24, 2025
Joining the discussion are Giorgia Scaturro, a London-based Italian reporter known for her insights into Italian politics, and Yossi Mekelberg, a Middle Eastern affairs expert from Chatham House. They dive into the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire negotiations taking place in Riyadh. The conversation also tackles Netanyahu’s controversial military actions in Gaza and Italy's technological tensions with Elon Musk. Adding a touch of humor, they touch on a quirky debate about pint definitions in Paris, highlighting consumer transparency.
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Russia's Perspective on Negotiations
- Russia likely sees the negotiations as successful, making small concessions without substantial change.
- Putin likely believes he can withstand economic pressure and continue the war.
Israel's Actions in Gaza
- Israel's actions in Gaza lack clear objectives and have failed to achieve initial goals.
- Netanyahu's actions may be politically motivated by his corruption trial and desire to maintain power.
Trump's Influence
- Trump's presence has emboldened Netanyahu, offering him a model of operating above the law.
- Netanyahu seeks political survival through land acquisition and continued war.