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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that American security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.