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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.