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In a year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.