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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he said. "This is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's only refinery.