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During his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that American security officials determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.