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As part of his year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.