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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.