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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.