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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country seeks an end to the war 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 a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Officials said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.