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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported 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 hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.