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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.