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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.