US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic with ties to Venezuela

A long-anticipated trade deal with South American trading bloc Mercosur hangs in the balance as the EU tries to overcome France’s strong objections. With French farmers taking to the streets, we explore what’s at stake during an extremely sensitive time for Latin America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the seizure of the Marinera oil tanker, its Russia connection and how much this escalates the situation beyond Venezuela and the West. As Donald Trump announces an oil deal, how co-operative is the new Venezuelan regime going to be with US demands?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK and France agree to send troops to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached, Thailand accuses Cambodia of truce violation and Berlin’s ongoing blackout after infrastructure attack. Plus: the French antidote to Dry January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and key allies meet in an effort to agree security guarantees for Kyiv, we assess the outcome. Then: Thailand accuses Cambodia of truce violation and Berlin’s ongoing blackout after infrastructure attack. Plus: news from the Balkans and the French antidote to ‘Dry January’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest reactions as Venezuela’s ousted Nicolás Maduro appears in Manhattan court and Trump renews his threat to intervene in Iran’s ongoing protests. And: Portugal’s presidential campaign kicks off. Plus: the movement to undam the world’s rivers and a look ahead to Pitti Uomo in Florence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the weekend’s stunning display of Trumpian foreign policy, we explore US plans for Venezuela, as well as global and market reactions. Plus: wooden architecture makes a comeback in Japan and return-to-work fashions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgina Godwin delivers Monocle Radio's essential weekday news show, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss what 2026 has in store. Gorana Grgic on the future of Europe's security landscape. Then: We review Pope Leo XIV's first year and discuss his next steps with Juliet Linley. Plus: Monocle's upcoming travel plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers Monocle Radio's essential weekday news show, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgina Godwin delivers Monocle Radio's essential weekday news show, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.