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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.