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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.