The Monocle Daily Frieze London kicks off a massive week for the art market
Oct 17, 2025
Sophie Monaghan-Coombs is Monocle's Associate Editor for Culture, bringing insights from the vibrant Frieze London art fair, highlighting standout pieces like Roman glasses and a Leonora Carrington cradle. Leila Molana-Allen, Monocle’s Middle East correspondent, offers a poignant analysis of the Gaza ceasefire and contrasting moods between Israel and the West Bank, revealing a leadership vacuum among Palestinians. Together, they discuss the dynamic art market and pressing geopolitical issues with engaging commentary.
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Zelensky Seeks Long-Range Strike Capability
- Volodymyr Zelensky's main ask in Washington is long-range Tomahawk missiles and stronger air-defence supplies ahead of winter.
- Access to Tomahawks would let Ukraine strike deep into Russian territory and complement existing drone reach.
Trump's Rhetoric Opened An Arms Window
- Donald Trump's rhetoric on Ukraine shifted recently toward suggesting Ukraine could regain territory and even win the war.
- That rhetorical turn created a window where previously unlikely arms transfers became politically conceivable.
Anxieties Over Trump–Putin Calls
- Ukrainians are cautious about Trump's long calls with Putin and worry those conversations could sway U.S. policy.
- But Trump may also be motivated to show toughness to both Russia and Ukraine for political credit.