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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

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

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russian president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.