The Monocle Daily – Should the European Union Begin Peace Talks with Moscow?

Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Andrew Muller
Guests: Georgia Scaturo (Italian reporter and producer), Stephen Diehl (Russia analyst and Monocle Radio contributor), Grace Charlton (Monocle’s Associate Editor for Design & Fashion, reporting from Florence)

Episode Overview

This episode explores whether it is time for the European Union to engage in peace talks with Russia amid protracted conflict in Ukraine, examining European leaders’ motivations, shifting dynamics with the United States, and implications of recent military actions. The panel also discusses the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, a satirical change in the Iranian flag emoji on X (formerly Twitter), and the rise of a dystopian wellbeing app in China. Lighter segments include a dispatch from the Pitti Uomo fashion fair in Florence.

1. Fashion Dispatch: Pitti Uomo in Florence

[00:36 – 06:11]
Guest: Grace Charlton

• Atmosphere & Trends: Despite London-like fog, Florence is abuzz with fashion. The fair is “an aperitivo before the main event,” more industry-driven, with men styling outerwear “perched on their shoulders” and notable “fur, leather gloves, big hats.”
• Theme & Olympic Influence: This year’s theme, “motion,” is reflected in an abundance of puffer jackets and technical wear, hinting at the upcoming Cortina Winter Olympics. Brands like Brunello Cucinelli even showcased branded skis.
• Fur’s Return: Genuine fur’s revival is “almost a full circle moment on sustainability.” Young attendees reason that vintage fur is better than “fake fur made from plastic.”
  • Quote (Grace, [04:01]): “It’s okay if it comes from your nonna’s wardrobe...if it’s a hand-me-down, if it’s vintage.”
• Japanese Designers Impact: Large Japanese influence with designers like Soshi Otsuki as guest.
• Mood of Luxury Sector: Oscillated from optimism to pessimism; now, “there’s resolve – people are adapting.”

2. Travel Notes: Georgia and Oman

[06:58 – 09:41]

• Stephen Diehl on Georgia:
  • Emphasizes contrast—a mix of “fabulous buildings” and some “falling down.” Younger generations speak English, older prefer Russian.
  • Quote (Stephen, [07:19]): “A place of contrast. Some of it is beautiful...some are just falling down.”
• Georgia Scaturo on Oman:
  • Highlights economic growth, massive investments in tourism (dolphins, turtles, the world's longest water zipline), and the soon-to-open “biggest botanic garden in the world.”

3. Ukraine & Russia: Should the EU Try Peace Talks?

[09:41 – 19:46]

The War’s Stalemate and Russian Intent

• Missile Strikes: Russia has intensified attacks, using advanced hypersonic weapons near Poland’s border.
• No Earnest Prospects for Talks:
  • Stephen: “Not yet, because Vladimir Putin wants the war to carry on. He hasn’t achieved...the aims he set out nearly four years ago.” ([10:57])
  • Putin fears his own people more than the West, referencing his obsession with historic dictators' downfalls.
  • “He can’t give in. He would lose his presidency... he would probably lose his head.” ([12:39])
• European Leaders' Positions:
  • Macron and Meloni have suggested talks; likely motivated by a desire to keep the EU relevant and not sidelined in any potential US-Russia deals.
  • Quote (Georgia, [14:25]): “The time has really come for Europe to step up... until you really target Russian oil, it is going to be hard to stop Putin financing the war.”

The Problem of European Unity

• Who leads talks? “If we start...in a disorganized way, we would do Putin a favor. It could be counterproductive.” ([15:10], Georgia)
• Davos might be a forum, but caution is advised.

US Influence: Dealings with President Trump

• Talking to Trump:
  • Stephen: “There’s every point… far more point than trying to speak to Putin…he will often be swayed by whatever was last whispered into his shell-like ear.” ([16:31])
  • Europeans “cannot ignore the United States, and [Trump] is going to be in charge for the next three years at least.”
  • Georgia: Italy’s Meloni, although once close to Trump, is “taking some distances…she knows that energy is needed in Europe.”
  • Trump’s credibility is under scrutiny: “now we want to see the personal back into what he says.” ([19:35])

4. EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement

[19:46 – 24:39]

• Historic Deal: After 25 years of negotiation and “tractors pulling angry donuts,” the deal is reached, pending Parliament’s ratification.
  • Quote (Andrew, [19:46]): “There are nigh certainly people who have been involved in the years of negotiations... who were outlasted by the talks.”
• Why Now?:
  • Trump’s interventionist approach in Latin America may have “hastened this deal.” ([21:11])
  • Latin American countries eager for cooperation outside US influence.
• Impacts and Standards:
  • Georgia: This “might spark an appetite for global norms again, for rules as an alternative to Trump.”
  • Highlights ongoing concerns about food standards, fair prices, and the European Parliament vote due mid-2026.
  • “When we talk about standards, we also have to think of Trump—no standards, complete freedom.” ([24:28])

5. Iran, X (Twitter), and Flags: Satirical Tech, Real Risks

[24:39 – 31:03]

• The Emoji Incident:
  • Elon Musk responds to a user’s request by changing the Iran flag emoji on X to the pre-Islamic Revolution version, leading regime accounts to fly the Shah’s flag.
  • Stephen: “It does seem an extraordinary thing to do…But it distracts from the seriousness of the situation.” ([26:00])
• Deeper Context:
  • Ongoing protests in Iran, high repression, with “open murder on the streets.”
  • Georgia: “More dangerous than nudity [on X] is what Stephen was pointing out: what happens on the street…and Trump has chosen social media to say, ‘keep demonstrating, help is coming’—without saying when and how.” ([28:14])
  • Stephen draws a parallel with the 1956 Hungarian Uprising, warning of the risk of giving false hope to protesters: “There is history of the Americans doing this and it not turning out well.” ([29:52])

6. China’s “Are You Dead Yet?” App: Technology and Loneliness

[31:03 – 35:54]

• Silema App Overview:
  • Prompts users once a day to confirm they’re alive; alerts family if unanswered.
  • Andrew: “There are, according to most estimates, around 200 million people in China who live alone.” ([33:32])
• Panel Reactions:
  • Georgia: “First of all, when have elderly and frail people been hooked in technology and apps? My mum…can’t even answer the phone...That is not going to work, is it?” ([32:02])
  • Suggests a new app: “Are you alive and loved yet?”—nudging family to call, not just check for vital signs.
  • Stephen: “This idea...brings in, you know, shades of 1984...It’s a bonkers idea, to be perfectly honest.” ([33:32], [34:17])
• Dark Humor:
  • Andrew: “[Are you dead yet?] sounds like the kind of question your grandchildren ask while they’re sort of writing their initials on the bottom of things in your house.” ([35:22])
  • Stephen’s anecdote: “My mother...just turned 60…the son of a neighbor…said: ‘And you’re still alive.’” ([35:54])

7. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He can’t give in. He would lose his presidency... he would probably lose his head.” – Stephen Diehl on Putin ([12:39])
• “If we were to start [peace talks] in a disorganized way, we would do Putin a favor.” – Georgia Scaturo ([15:10])
• “There’s every point [to talk to Trump]… far more point than trying to speak to Putin.” – Stephen Diehl ([16:31])
• “Are you alive and loved yet?” – Georgia Scaturo’s app suggestion ([32:59])
• “This idea of an app...brings in shades of 1984.” – Stephen Diehl on Silema ([34:17])
• “It’s okay if it comes from your nonna’s wardrobe...if it’s vintage.” – Grace Charlton on vintage fur ([04:01])

8. Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:36] – Pitti Uomo Florence fashion report
• [09:41] – Ukraine war: EU’s dilemma, Russian motivations
• [14:25] – Macron, Meloni, and the EU’s strategy on dealing with Russia
• [16:31] – The necessity of engaging with Trump
• [19:46] – EU-Mercosur free trade agreement
• [24:39] – X (Twitter) flag change and Iran’s crisis
• [31:03] – China’s “Are you dead yet?” app discussion

9. Tone and Style

A lively, wry, and sometimes satirical tone prevails, balancing serious geopolitical analysis with humor and human interest. The hosts and guests frequently use irony, witticisms, and personal anecdotes to leaven weighty subjects—from war strategy to mortality apps—while still delivering insightful and well-sourced commentary.

End of Summary