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In a year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report stated that US security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.