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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.