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In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.