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As part of his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's only refinery.