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In a year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

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

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.