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As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that American national security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.