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In a year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.