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During his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that American security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.