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During his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

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

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole oil refinery.