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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report stated that US security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.