Ukraine: The Latest US hails ‘big milestone’ in Paris as Trump envoy promises BlackRock key to ‘future of Ukraine’
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Jan 7, 2026 
In this discussion, Sir Ben Wallace, former British Defence Secretary, shares insights on the Paris Declaration and its implications for European defense. He expresses skepticism about Donald Trump's commitment to U.S. support, emphasizing that Putin understands the dynamics at play. Wallace also explores the role of BlackRock in post-war Ukraine and discusses the broader geopolitical factors at stake, including resource politics and the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities.
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Paris Declaration Lays Framework, Not Details
- The Paris Declaration legally paves a pathway for UK and French forces to operate in Ukraine and police its skies and seas after a ceasefire.
- The agreement lacks firm details on force size, scope and precise US commitments, so practical impact remains uncertain.
US To Lead Ceasefire Monitoring
- The US agreed to lead a continuous ceasefire monitoring system using drones, satellites and sensors.
- That monitoring role is concrete, even if the broader US ‘backstop’ remains vague.
High-Profile US Presence Matters Politically
- The US delegation (Witkoff and Kushner) were visibly fronting the Paris talks and press conference.
- Their presence signalled political engagement even though substantive US military guarantees were not fully spelled out.