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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

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

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

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

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that US national security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.