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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.