The Briefing

We hear about the huge protests that have broken out in Georgia over the introduction of a new foreign influence bill, described by critics as the “Russian law”. The bill, which has been rushed through ahead of elections, targets civil-society organisations and independent media that receive foreign funding. Plus, we find out why President Putin has changed his defence minister and opened up a new front in Ukraine; Nordic nations meet to discuss closer economic and security co-operation and we’ll hear about the backstage drama at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky replaces the head of his personal protection unit after two of its officers were detained over an alleged assassination plot against him. We examine what this and other staffing shake-ups might indicate. Then: after Iran-backed Houthi rebels vow to broaden their attacks in the Red Sea, we ask how much longer companies can afford alternative routes. Plus: the latest from Trump’s hush-money trial and could the UK be about to get a new political party? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden warns Benjamin Netanyahu against an Israeli offensive in Rafah, saying that he is prepared to cut off supplies if troops enter the city. We get the latest. Then: we check in on North Macedonia’s elections and explore why Apple’s latest advertising campaign has prompted unprecedented backlash. Plus: Vietnam’s snub to the EU and our man in Malmö previews Eurovision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss today’s EU meeting on new sanctions on Russia. Then we bring you the latest from Tokyo as prime minister Fumio Kishida returns from his diplomatic trip to Brazil and Paraguay. Plus: business news and why the redesign of the Swiss army knife will remove a crucial element: the knife. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Xi Jinping visits Europe for the first time in five years, we examine the pressure that European leaders are putting on Xi Jinping over the war in Ukraine. And has Turkey’s suspension of trade with Israel had any tangible effect? Then: as student protests continue to shake university campuses across the globe, we ask a Princeton University professor what can be learnt from them. Plus: an interview with the Finnish entrant of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chad holds its first presidential election since the coup in 2021. Plus, a culture round-up with Fernando Augusto Pacheco. Live from London with Chris Cermak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Xi Jinping visits Europe for the first time in five years, we ask whether China or western Europe have any real interest in reviving relations. Then: UK foreign secretary David Cameron promises long-term aid during a visit to Kyiv as the US warns of chemical weapons being used by Russia. Plus: the latest business headlines and a round-up of what’s hitting cinemas this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As campus clashes continue across the US, Congress looks to counter rising anti-Semitism but is it taking the right approach? Then: millions in Kazakhstan are tuning into the trial of a former government minister accused of murdering his wife. We ask whether the case could be a game-changer for domestic violence in the country. Finally, we look at the deteriorating security situation in Ecuador and this week’s edition of ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to the Netherlands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Violence breaks out at US university campuses. As protesters clash and police move in, we ask what happens next. Then: Donald Trump is fined for violating his gag order, Russian election meddling lands a Moldovan governor in court and the latest from Broadway as the Tony nominations are announced. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will the US aid pier on the Mediterranean coast of Gaza work? Haiti’s transitional council elects its new president and a new round of Brexit border checks takes place amid a row with Ireland over asylum seekers. Plus: fashion news with Dana Thomas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ground losses on Ukraine’s battlefield come amid delays to military aid from allies, the prime minister of Spain and first minister of Scotland both face decisions about their future, and we find out how Austria is dealing with its espionage problem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, TikTok’s parent company insists that it has no plans to sell the social-media company and Boeing burns through $4bn (€3.7bn). Plus: what to watch this weekend in our TV and film Friday wrap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Polish broadcaster TVP World will begin broadcasting in Russian, China doubles the presence of its military vessels in the Philippine exclusive economic zone, shares slump in Facebook’s parent company, Meta, and how the rise of artificial intelligence will have a lasting effect on how we work. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We detail the US aid package approved by Congress last night, join celebrated novelist Monica Ali as she reveals the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist and discuss why shares in Gucci’s parent company, Kering, have plunged. Plus: we talk about Caravaggio’s last painting, “The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak’s bill to send illegal migrants to Rwanda has been approved in parliament – but could the courts still get in his way? Also in the programme: we have the business headlines, discuss the opening arguments of Donald Trump’s first criminal trial in New York and explore whether German and British spies for China are just the tip of the iceberg. Plus: a look at the future of Chinese-owned app TikTok. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the US finally approves its latest foreign-aid package for Ukraine, we discuss how Russia might respond to a seizure of its assets to help the invaded country. Meanwhile, we look to the Philippines, where the US is launching a series of military drills in the South China Sea, and hear from a former US ambassador to Kosovo. Plus: the top stories in the Americas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Israel launches retaliatory strikes against Iran, we consider whether this week’s escalation has come to an end. Then: the US vetoes a United Nations Security Council resolution that would recognise Palestine as a full UN member state. Plus: why there’s a private funding effort for Ukraine in Slovakia, the latest film and TV releases and a report from Milan’s Salone del Mobile. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look ahead to India’s elections before voters head to the polls for the six-week-long democratic exercise on Friday. Plus: we examine Germany’s arrest of two German-Russian saboteurs, bring you the second part of our special spring edition of ‘The Global Countdown’ and head back to Milan to join the Monocle team at Salone del Mobile. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Western allies flock to protect Israel from Iran, we look at how Ukraine, which remains highly vulnerable to Russian missile and drone attacks, has reacted. Plus: the Council of Europe’s parliamentary assembly votes to approve Kosovo’s application for membership and a check-in from this year’s Venice Biennale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Republicans in the US House of Representatives attempt to split funding to Israel and Ukraine despite Kyiv’s urgent pleas, we look ahead to Friday’s vote. Then: as Israel’s war cabinet debates how to retaliate against Iran, the regime in Tehran assesses its own capabilities. Plus: a fire breaks out at Copenhagen’s former stock exchange and the latest business news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.