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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.