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As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

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

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that American national security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.