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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that American security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.