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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's only refinery.