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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that American national security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.