Day 1,413.

Today, we report on the details of the latest COTW summit in Paris, asking how significant was the strong US presence and input. We get an update from Francis in Hungary and, later, we have an interview with Sir Ben Wallace, Britain’s former defence secretary who says it's just wishful thinking that Donald Trump would put any weight behind a backstop because Putin knows, in Sir Ben’s words, that he's got a guy in the White House aligned to Russia.

Contributors

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnleyon X.

With thanks to Sir Ben Wallace, Britain’s former defence secretary. @BenWallace70 on X.

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CONTENT REFERENCED:

Putin’s secret bargain to trade Ukraine for Venezuela

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/06/putins-bargain-trade-ukraine-for-venezuela/

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US hails ‘very big milestone’ in Paris as Trump envoy promises BlackRock key to ‘future of Ukraine’

Ukraine: The Latest

US hails ‘very big milestone’ in Paris as Trump envoy promises BlackRock key to ‘future of Ukraine’