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In a year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.