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As part of his year-end speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian 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-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.