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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that 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 destruction of our country."

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

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that American national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.