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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

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

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country after any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that US security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.