The Monocle Daily — October 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on significant geopolitical developments and cultural happenings, particularly the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington amidst shifting US-Russia-Ukraine dynamics, the fragile Middle East ceasefire, the kickoff of Frieze London and art market optimism, and autumnal wine recommendations. The episode also includes its trademark satirical weekly wrap-up.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Zelenskyy’s Washington Visit & US-Ukraine-Russia Relations

Guest: Olga Takariuk (Ukrainian journalist and Chatham House Academy Associate)

• Zelenskyy's Agenda (01:56 – 02:56):

  • Advocating for US long-range Tomahawk missiles, enhanced air defense systems, and more sanctions on Russia.

  • Recent Russian attacks necessitate urgent air defense support.

    “He's going to D.C. to discuss with President Trump possible provision of the U.S. long range missile Tomahawks…Some other items…are definitely more support supplies of air defence critically needed for Ukraine ahead of winter.”
    — Olga Takariuk [01:56]

• Why Tomahawks Now? (02:56 – 04:18):

  • Trump's changing attitude perceived as an opening, after a period of tension.

  • Tomahawks’ ability to reach deep inside Russia (2,500 km) would supplement Ukraine’s drone capabilities.

    “Tomahawks would be very helpful in that because they have a range of two and a half thousand kilometers. Ukrainian drones…are able to reach up to 2,000 kilometers into Russian territory. So that would be a nice supplement…”
    — Olga Takariuk [03:24]

• Trump-Zelenskyy Relationship (04:39 – 06:00):

  • Marked improvement since their earlier public spat; Trump now openly praises the Ukrainian fight.

  • Trump reportedly annoyed with Putin’s long lectures, potentially making him more sympathetic to Ukraine.

    “He praised Ukrainian people for being brave…That doesn't mean, though, that he still does not believe that President Putin is his great friend…but I think there are reasons for Zelenskyy to be optimistic..."
    — Olga Takariuk [04:39]

• Concerns Over Trump’s Influences (06:00 – 07:36):

  • Anxiety in Kyiv that Trump's position could shift depending on who he last spoke to, but current signs are positive for Ukraine.

  • Putin’s attempt to sway Trump may have backfired.

    “Trump just repeats the words of the person he last spoke to, but if Zelenskyy would be the last person…that's good for Ukraine, definitely.”
    — Olga Takariuk [06:25]

2. The State of the Middle East After the Gaza Ceasefire

Guest: Leila Molana-Allen (Middle East Correspondent, Monocle)

• On-the-ground Reporting (08:40 – 09:00):

  • Media still barred from Gaza, despite ceasefire, unprecedented media blackout.

  • Split time between Israel and West Bank.

    “International media has not been allowed into Gaza for two years, which is completely unprecedented…”
    — Leila Molana-Allen [08:40]

• Mood on Both Sides (09:11 – 11:58):

  • Israel: Celebration after hostage releases, but grief for those not returned.

  • West Bank: Unprecedented fear and violence; feelings of hopelessness, impunity for violent settlers, and systematic repression.

    “In my 15 years covering these nations, this region, I have never seen things as bad in the West Bank as they are right now. People are absolutely terrified.”
    — Leila Molana-Allen [09:11]

• Palestinian Leadership Crisis (11:58 – 14:47):

  • Widespread loss of faith in Mahmoud Abbas; Palestinian Authority viewed as complicit.

  • No emergence of new leaders due to long-term detention—Marwan Barghouti cited as the people’s choice, but he remains imprisoned.

    “The Palestinian Authority is considered by many Palestinians to have become so complicit with the Israeli government...people simply feel that they are now complicit in the oppression of their own people.”
    — Leila Molana-Allen [12:28]

3. Frieze London Art Fair and the Cultural Pulse of the City

Guest: Sophie Monaghan Coombe (Monocle Associate Editor for Culture)

• Art Market Vibes (15:33 – 17:05):

  • Despite recent market “beating,” Frieze is lively and optimistic, with strong sales and positive feedback from galleries.

    “It was very busy, it was very buzzy...it felt very, you know, joyful and uplifting.”
    — Sophie Monaghan Coombe [15:33]

• Frieze Masters Director’s Perspective (16:30 – 17:05):

  • Emanuela Terizzo highlights “fresh optimism” among galleries and collectors.

    “It feels positive, it feels optimistic...there’s optimism here. So we’re very pleased with that.”
    — Emanuela Terizzo [16:30]

• Personal Highlights (17:14 – 18:27):

  • Charles Ead Gallery’s Roman glass vases—displayed as intended, with floral arrangements.
  • Wendy Norris Gallery’s Leonora Carrington cradle—a ship-shaped cradle with vibrant paintings.

• Frieze Navigation Tips (18:47 – 19:29):

  • Begin at Frieze Masters or by picking a focused area; avoid trying to see everything.

    “You can’t see everything. If you go into every booth, you will be there forever and it will all blur into one and you will have no memories of Free.”
    — Sophie Monaghan Coombe [18:47]

• Spotlight on Contemporary African Art (19:32 – 20:54):

  • 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House, featuring Everyday Lusaka Gallery’s Zambian studio archive.

    “A very exciting, beautiful installation that you probably can't see anywhere else than here.”
    — Touria El Glaoui [20:27]

• Looking Ahead: Art Basel Paris (21:03 – 22:42):

  • Friendly rivalry between Frieze and Art Basel Paris; different flavors but both cities deeply engaged.

    “It is the smallest fair in our Basel’s roster, but there’s still over 200 galleries...it’ll have a slightly more French flavor than Frieze.”
    — Sophie Monaghan Coombe [21:15]

4. Autumnal Wine Recommendations

Guest: Chloe Lake (Monocle Digital Sub Editor, Wine Specialist)

• California Reds—Ridge Geyserville 2022 (24:04 – 25:53):

  • Blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, and Petit Syrah from Sonoma’s Dry Creek—acidity, slow maturing, perfect for cellaring.

  • Anecdote: discovered as a neighbor’s peace offering for loud music.

    “It has a lot of strong kind of ripe black fruits, red fruits as well. It’s a bit smoky. It’s aged in American oak, so it has that richer flavor.”
    — Chloe Lake [24:34]

• Orange Wine—Bolido from Uruguay (26:02 – 27:46):

  • Fresh, zippy, easy-drinking; distinct due to Uruguay’s family vineyard traditions and Atlantic influence.

    “You get maybe more special wines coming from there and a lot more variety because people are experimenting a little bit more within their family units.”
    — Chloe Lake [27:17]

• Croatian White—Dalmatian Dog Pošip (28:05 – 29:09):

  • High-altitude, early-picked grape offering honey and apricot notes—ideal for autumn.

    “It has to be picked very early in the morning...it’s very rich of honeyed aromas, little bit of apricot. So it’s not just citrusy and dry. It has a little bit more body...”
    — Chloe Lake [28:31]

5. Weekly Satirical Wrap-Up (29:46 – End)

Host Andrew Muller delivers a comedic review of notable events:

• Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize:

  • Trump’s self-promoting claims: "They gave it to Obama for doing absolutely nothing. ... Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Prize."
    — Donald Trump [29:46]
  • US Congressman Buddy Carter proposes a sense of Congress to honor Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize.

• Trump’s Diplomatic Feats and Style:

  • Despite Nobel snub, Trump lauded for brokering the Gaza ceasefire—and proceeds to address the international community as if hosting a celebrity roast.

• Eric Trump’s Media Rants:

  • Eric Trump’s new book and outrage at perceived double standards: "We're saving Christianity, we're saving God, we're saving the family unit, we're saving this nation."
    — Eric Trump [34:58]

• Conclusion:

  • Muller wraps with sharp satire on American political eccentricities and the ironies of global recognition.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

US-Ukraine-Russia (Olga Takariuk)

• “Trump just repeats the words of the person he last spoke to, but if Zelenskyy would be the last person to speak, I think that's...good for Ukraine, definitely.” [06:25]

Middle East (Leila Molana-Allen)

• “In my 15 years covering these nations, this region, I have never seen things as bad in the West Bank as they are right now. People are absolutely terrified.” [09:11]

Art at Frieze (Sophie Monaghan Coombe)

• “You can't see everything. If you go into every booth, you will be there forever and it will all blur into one and you will have no memories of Free.” [18:47]

Wine Cellar Wisdom (Chloe Lake)

• “Diversify your wine cupboards. Go to different countries, have a bit of fun with that—that’s what I say.” [29:22]

Satirical Hot Takes (Andrew Muller)

• “[Trump] addressing the international community as if hosting the Dean Martin celebrity roast.” [33:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Zelenskyy’s Visit & US-Ukraine (01:56 – 07:36)
• Middle East Ceasefire & Realities (08:40 – 14:47)
• Frieze London & Art Market Trends (15:33 – 22:42)
• Autumn Wine Recommendations (23:37 – 29:29)
• Weekly Satirical Wrap & Trump-Nobel Reflections (29:46 – End)

Tone and Style

The episode balances sharp, engaged reporting with Monocle’s trademark wit and dry humor—delivering informed, nuanced insights while lampooning global political theater and celebrating cultural high notes. Panelists maintain a conversational, personable tone throughout, blending profound analysis with relatable anecdotes and lively banter.

This summary offers a comprehensive and engaging digest for anyone who missed this Monocle Daily episode, capturing all vital discussions, quotes, and the episode's lively spirit.