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

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article indicated that US national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.