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As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that American security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only oil refinery.