By Paul Craig Roberts
PaulCraigRoberts.org
January 3, 2026
In this interview by Nima of John Helmer on Dialogue Works, Helmer presents much detailed information that probably tasks the understanding of most Americans. Nevertheless, he makes two very important points and one is that it is not yet known whether the drone attack was an attack on Putin's residence or whether it was an attack on a bunker that is part of the Russian nuclear war control system. The Russians have said little and a possible reason Helmer says is that an attack on elements of the Russian strategic triad under Russian war doctrine requires a nuclear response. To avoid such a response, the attack, whether on Putin's life or on a part of the nuclear command system, the Russian government has declared the attack to be an act of terrorism, not an act of war. This is the same ploy Putin used when drones attacked the Russian strategic bombing fleet. He declared this was a terrorist attack not an act of war. Helmer offers this as a possible explanation for the limited information that has come out about the attack.
Helmer also says that the information appearing in the West that 95% of a peace agreement has been reached is inconsistent with the fact that none of the serious issues have yet been addressed. He also emphasizes that the people conducting the negotiations on both sides are those who represent money. The emphasis on an agreement that at least in the short term would allow the resumption of moneymaking is not the same as a diplomatic effort to arrive at a mutual security agreement. Therefore, there could be a pause that serves money interest, but leaves the resolution of the tensions between Russia and the West untouched.
The broadcast has several instances of digital failure, where one or both of the participants go off screen for a period. Digital failure particularly affected the discussion of Trump's position on Iran toward the end of this broadcast. Helmer says that he thinks Trump will limit his attack on Iran to words in order to please the Jewish vote, but will not at this time risk military attack that could unleash war, because the outcome of war is unpredictable and could be against the interest of Trump and Israel. With Trump facing midterm elections later this year military setback would be unhelpful.
One benefit of listening to Helmer is that it comes clear how complicated the issue is and how many interests with different agendas are involved in the process. The actual reality is very different from what the Western media presents. Becoming aware of this would contribute to the sophistication of the American electorate and aid them in making better decisions.
