The Monocle Daily Rare trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US cap a week of geopolitical change
27 snips
Jan 23, 2026 
Guest
Andrew Muller
Guest
Fernando Augusto Pacheco
Guest
Carlotta Rebello
Guest
Mark Edelman
Guest
Charles Hecker
Andrew Muller, satirical world-commentator; Fernando Augusto Pacheco, culture and film aficionado; Carlotta Rebello, Davos-based foreign correspondent; Mark Edelman, US political strategist; Charles Hecker, Russia analyst. They unpack the rare US-Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi, the limits of concessions, Trump-era envoys and US leverage, Davos diplomacy, China and India’s presence, and weekend culture picks.
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Moscow: Inexhaustible, Brash And Forbidden
- Charles Hecker nostalgically described Moscow as a 24-hour, inexhaustible city where "everything is possible and nothing is forbidden."
- He compared its energy to Dubai but with much more snow.
Business Interests Woven Into Diplomacy
- Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff's presence signals a strong business element to the negotiations alongside security talks.
- Charles Hecker says this business focus adds complexity to already fraught political issues.
US Influence And The Trump Dealmaker Frame
- Mark Edelman argues Washington retains substantial influence and that President Trump frames diplomacy as dealmaking.
- He believes Trump genuinely wants to end the war and projects leadership through negotiation roles for aides like Jared Kushner.
