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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that US security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.