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The Monocle Daily

Is Russia sitting at the top table of global diplomacy?

Feb 18, 2025
Yasmin Abdel-Majid, a Sudanese-Australian writer, delves into the ongoing civil war in Sudan, discussing foreign influences and misinformation. Stephen Diel, a Russia analyst, highlights recent US-Russia engagements regarding Ukraine, questioning Putin's strategic positioning. Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, examines the evolving dynamics of Gulf diplomacy, emphasizing the significance of the EU's relationship with Gulf states amidst changing geopolitical landscapes. Expect a lively discussion blending current events and personal insights!
40:39

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The recent US-Russia peace talks in Riyadh highlight tensions in Ukraine, with skepticism surrounding Russia's true intentions and diplomatic commitment.
  • Spain's immigration-friendly policies are contributing to economic growth and low unemployment, challenging prevailing anti-immigration narratives in Europe.

Deep dives

Russia's Diplomatic Maneuvering

Recent high-level discussions between the United States and Russia in Riyadh mark a significant moment in international diplomacy amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov engaged in talks that could lead to a restoration of ambassadors between the two nations. However, there remains skepticism regarding Russia's commitment to negotiations, as Russia refuses to accept NATO troops on Ukrainian soil while further asserting its demands. Analysts suggest that rather than seeking genuine dialogue, Russia may be leveraging the situation to distract from its actions and to secure concessions from the US.

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