The Monocle Minute

Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine was the kind of thing that should have been a clarifying, pick-a-side moment: a European democracy was invaded and terrorised by a revanchist autocracy for no good reason. Russia’s rampage nudged a couple of fence-sitters from their perches – both Finland and Sweden joined Nato – but, two-and-a-half years into the war, there are still far too many countries that persist in equivocating.

It can only be hoped that Switzerland’s re-examination of its policy of obdurate neutrality will rouse some from their slumber. A study commissioned by the country’s Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport has suggested deepening military co-operation with the EU and Nato to develop a “common defence capability”. Switzerland’s Federal Council had already decided to participate in projects associated with Pesco, an EU military framework.

There’s no suggestion that Switzerland will apply to join either Nato or the EU – indeed, it is due a referendum sometime soon on affirming its neutrality and an “aye” vote seems overwhelmingly likely. But these recent developments are nevertheless pretty seismic from a country so doggedly disinterested in foreign dramas that it sat out both world wars and didn’t even join the UN until 2002.

It’s also worth noting that the recommendations have been made not so much for Ukraine’s benefit as for the good of Switzerland’s languishing defence industry. Under current strictures, Swiss war materiel, or weapons containing the nation’s components, cannot be exported to countries at war. Switzerland’s kit has therefore been left behind in the scramble to arm Ukraine. But in military affairs more than in most fields, what matters is the result, not the intention. If Switzerland, of all countries, can grasp the importance of this moment, there’s little excuse for any nation still telling itself that the present crises are only happening to others. Switzerland’s defence boffins should “CC” their report forthwith to Vienna and Dublin.

Andrew Mueller is a contributing editor at Monocle and the presenter of ‘The Foreign Desk’ on Monocle Radio. For more opinion, analysis and insight, subscribe to Monocle today.

Uber’s Japanese branch launched a trial scheme this week in association with taxi operator Royal Limousine in which ride-hailing drivers use car-sharing vehicles. Drivers will be recruited by Royal Limousine and provided with vehicles for ride-hailing services in the Japanese capital’s 23 wards and the cities of Musashino and Mitaka in the west of metropolitan Tokyo. Uber will consider whether to fully launch such services based on what it learns from this trial, which will run until November.

In April, Japanese authorities partially eased regulations by allowing individuals to use their private vehicles to offer paid rides in limited areas. If the scheme is successful, the hope is that ride-hailing services will expand by allowing drivers to work without needing to own a car, making it easier for businesses to develop.

On Saturday, Athens International Airport will roll out a streamlined off-airport check-in service for foreign cruise-ship travellers. The service, which is run in collaboration with ground service providers Skyserv and Swissport Greece, will expedite check-in procedures for passengers who will then be able to hop on a shuttle bus for a seamless journey to their cruise-ship terminal at Piraeus Port.

For further ease, boarding passes for return flights will be provided upon disembarking the ship, while ground service providers will transport luggage directly from the plane to the ship and vice versa. It’s a good idea, especially at a time when Greece is experiencing a rapid increase in cruise tourism – so much so that the country is looking to impose a cap on how many ships will be able to dock in some of its most popular islands from next year. For now, streamlining processes and decluttering congestion can only help.

Oleksii Reznikov was Ukraine’s minister of defence from November 2021 to September 2023. He spoke to Monocle at the recent Globsec Forum in Prague.

What were the conversations like when you were asking for bigger and better weapons for Ukraine?
On one of my first visits to Washington, I met US secretary of defence Lloyd Austin. I only asked for Stinger missiles, which were very effective against Russia in Afghanistan during the Gorbachev era. But the answer was. “Oleksii, it’s impossible – it’s forbidden by law and problematic politically.” In January 2022 we got our first package of Stingers; it was from Lithuania but certainly with the permission of the White House. So at that moment, I fixed it in my head that everything that’s impossible today will become possible tomorrow.

What’s your sense of how well President Zelensky is holding up, after two-and-a-half years of this?
He still surprises me. I don’t understand where he gets his energy – it’s fantastic. It’s Ukraine’s destiny that we have this person in this position.

Do you worry that Ukraine’s allies are too fearful of the possible consequences of Russia losing this war?
I do think that our partners believe that Ukraine can win but they are not ready for Russia to lose – because the consequence will be the demolition of the Russian Federation, the Russian empire. We will see another parade of sovereignties on Russian territory – an independent Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Chechnya and Dagestan – and that’s the main threat in the minds of analysts and experts. What would happen with Russia’s nuclear power? What about waves of migrants heading to Europe? What would China’s involvement be? These are the main obstacles in their minds.

We meet Stefano Canali, CEO of the Canali Group, a family-owned luxury menswear brand celebrating its 90th anniversary. He discusses the role of physical retail in delivering a comprehensive brand experience and what it means to be “Made in Italy”. Plus: Monocle’s Natalie Theodosi joins the show with a fashion-industry forecast.