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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American national security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.