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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's only refinery.