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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.