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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US national security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.