We check in on Slovakia prime minister Robert Fico’s condition after shooting and the events that led up to this act of violence. Then: we discuss Russia’s offensive in Ukraine’s strategically important Kharkiv region and examine why a state of emergency has been declared in New Caledonia. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Switzerland. 

We check in on Slovakia prime minister Robert Fico’s condition after shooting and the events that led up to this act of violence. Then: we discuss Russia’s offensive in Ukraine’s strategically important Kharkiv region and examine why a state of emergency has been declared in New Caledonia. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Switzerland.

A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by a Monocle editor. The show features informed reporting, prescient business analysis and invaluable industry reports covering everything from technology to aviation and retail to media.

A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by a Monocle editor. The show features informed reporting, prescient business analysis and invaluable industry reports covering everything from technology to aviation and retail to media.

The Briefing

Security in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and a state of emergency in New Caledonia

‘Wall Street Journal’ reporter Evan Gershkovich has appeared behind closed doors today in a Russian court, facing spying allegations that the publication and the US government have sternly rejected. Elsewhere, Volodymyr Zelensky hails the start of EU accession talks for Ukraine, Germany’s new citizens must declare Israel’s right to exist, Assange returns to Australia and, with a month to go, Paris completes final preparations for the Olympics.

‘Wall Street Journal’ reporter Evan Gershkovich has appeared behind closed doors today in a Russian court, facing spying allegations that the publication and the US government have sternly rejected. Elsewhere, Volodymyr Zelensky hails the start of EU accession talks for Ukraine, Germany’s new citizens must declare Israel’s right to exist, Assange returns to Australia and, with a month to go, Paris completes final preparations for the Olympics.

Journalist Evan Gershkovich’s closed trial begins in Russia

After more than a decade in legal limbo, Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of espionage in the US in exchange for his freedom. Also on the programme: why an Israeli Supreme Court ruling that ultra-Orthodox Jews must serve in the IDF could bring down Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Plus: business news, the Japanese state visit to Britain and China’s unique moon rocks.

After more than a decade in legal limbo, Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of espionage in the US in exchange for his freedom. Also on the programme: why an Israeli Supreme Court ruling that ultra-Orthodox Jews must serve in the IDF could bring down Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Plus: business news, the Japanese state visit to Britain and China’s unique moon rocks.

Julian Assange strikes plea deal for freedom

What does it mean for Ukraine to formally start accession talks with the European Union? We speak to Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze. Plus: a look at the Sahel militants operating in Nigeria, the Argentine president visiting Europe and we hear about the Swiss travel system from Andreas Nef.

What does it mean for Ukraine to formally start accession talks with the European Union? We speak to Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze. Plus: a look at the Sahel militants operating in Nigeria, the Argentine president visiting Europe and we hear about the Swiss travel system from Andreas Nef.

Security in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and a state of emergency in New Caledonia

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