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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

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

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report indicated that American security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.