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In a year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.