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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards protecting the country after any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.