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In a year-end speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that American security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.