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During his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president stressed that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU said 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 hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.