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During his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks peace but not at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

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

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US national security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.