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In a year-end speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was 90% complete. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

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

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that American national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.