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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other 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 message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole oil refinery.