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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American national security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.