Europe considers whether Gerhard Schröder should act as a mediator in Ukraine war peace talks

We assess Europe’s reaction to Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder should act as a mediator in Ukraine war peace talks. Then: are conspiracy theories more powerful than satire in modern America? Plus: fake influencers and John Robb’s new book, ‘Punk Rock Ruine…

Decoding the Venice Biennale

We explore whether early controversies over this year’s Venice Biennale have eclipsed the art with our culture editor, Sophie Monaghan-Coombs. Plus: Russia’s Victory Day parade and our weekly Friday quiz.

Israel strikes Beirut despite new ceasefire. Will it jeopardise a wider peace deal? 

Could Lebanon pose an obstacle to a regional peace deal at a time when the world is waiting for Iran’s response to a US proposal to end the war.

Remembering Ted Turner and one year of Friedrich Merz

We look back on the life of Ted Turner, founder of CNN, with former network host Fionnuala Sweeney. Then: our panel of Quentin Peel and Armida van Rij assesses Germany’s Friedrich Merz one year into his chancellorship.

Asymmetric warfare from the Strait of Hormuz to Ukraine and Lebanon

Our panellists Isabel Hilton and Somnath Batabyal discuss how Iran, Ukraine and even Hezbollah are using drones to frustrate much larger armed forces. Also: why are the US and China firing all their generals?  

American troop drawdown in Germany and Canada joins European summit

Robin Lustig and Alex von Tunzelmann discuss the American troop drawdown in Germany and Mark Carney joining a summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan. Plus: Joe Luc Barnes’s book, ‘Farewell to Russia’

Our weekly quiz and what King Charles meant to say in Washington

Andrew Mueller and Rob Bound return for a quiz on the week’s headlines. Then: Charlotte McDonald-Gibson joins from Washington to dissect King Charles’s visit, pageantry and speech before US Congress. Plus: music from Corb Lund and Hayes Carll.

Trump and Putin talk: much said but little gained?

We look at the latest call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, who both find themselves in wars with no obvious end. Then: Greece and Ukraine hit a stumbling block on drone co-operation. Plus: can anonymity on the internet be banned?

Nothing to see here: Russia plans military parade with no weaponry on show

We discuss the drivers behind Putin scaling back this year’s Victory Day commemorations. Then: The Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire teeters and former FBI director James Comey faces fresh charges from the Trump administration.

Leaders in crisis: A Keir Starmer inquiry and embattled Friedrich Merz

Keir Starmer’s days as PM might be numbered as MPs vote on an inquiry into his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Then: Friedrich Merz nears one year as German chancellor with historically low approval ratings. Plus: breaking news with Manus Cranny as the UAE leaves Opec.