Journalist Maria Romanenko gives us the latest from Ukraine and we discuss the shifting power dynamics in the UAE. Plus: do you need to speak English to become Spain’s next leader? We also look at the stories dominating the papers in Scandinavia with Monocle’s Oslo correspondent, Lars Bevanger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia’s top security meeting kicks off but China refuses to talk to the US on the sidelines. Plus: several media groups are banned from Opec’s production meeting this weekend; we check in on how Nigeria’s new president is faring and we ask, “What is lake cow bacon?” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran political strategist Norm Sterzenbach unpacks Ron DeSantis’s 2024 launch. Plus: fears that Polish democracy is under threat, secret talks between Qatar and the Taliban, and award-winning author Leila Slimani talks about her latest novel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia analyst Mark Galeotti gives us the latest on the drone attacks in Moscow. Plus: a look ahead at Spain’s snap election, the business news and why flip phones are making a comeback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions rise in east Asia as large-scale military drills kick off near South Korea’s Jeju Island. Also in the programme: Nato’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, visits Oslo and South American leaders meet in Brasília to discuss relaunching the UNASUR bloc. Plus: food made using recycled breath could soon be on the menu for astronauts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.