president biden has told vladimir putin of his deep concern about russia's build—up of forces near ukraine and warned of strong economic sanctions in the event of military escalation. during a two—hour virtual summit, mr biden reiterated his support for ukraine's sovereignty. it's emerged that senior number ten staffjoked about holding a christmas party in breach of covid restrictions. it comes just four days after a controversial drinks party is alleged to have taken place in downing street last december. a saudi man suspected of involvement in the murder of the saudi journalist jamal khashoggi has been arrested at a paris airport. he faces extradition to turkey. donald trump's longtime former adviser steve bannon is to go on trial injuly. he's facing criminal charges over his defiance of congressional inquiry into the deadly attacks on the us capitol injanuary.