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As part of his year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "And that is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service 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 southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.