As Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Riyadh, we assess the chances of a ceasefire with Russia and the role of backchannel diplomacy. And we ask what Syria’s latest deadly outburst of sectarian conflict means for stability in the region. Plus, we mark 14 years since Japan’s Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, bring you the latest from the Nordics and head to Cannes for the opening day of Mipim.

<p>As Ukraine&rsquo;s Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Riyadh, we assess the chances of a ceasefire with Russia and the role of backchannel diplomacy. And we ask what Syria&rsquo;s latest deadly outburst of sectarian conflict means for stability in the region. Plus, we mark 14 years since Japan&rsquo;s Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, bring you the latest from the Nordics and head to Cannes for the opening day of Mipim.</p>

Monocle’s unrivalled coverage of news and current affairs kicks off on weekdays with ‘The Globalist’ at 07.00 GMT/08.00 CET. Anchored from London and Zürich, join our editors for insight and opinion on the big current affairs and business stories of the day and a review of the European front pages. Nominated for Best Daily Podcast in the 2020 British Podcast Awards. 

<p>Monocle’s unrivalled coverage of news and current affairs kicks off on weekdays with ‘The Globalist’ at 07.00 GMT/08.00 CET. Anchored from London and Zürich, join our editors for insight and opinion on the big current affairs and business stories of the day and a review of the European front pages. Nominated for Best Daily Podcast in the 2020 British Podcast Awards. </p>