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As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages the country's only refinery.