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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.