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During his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that US security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.