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In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials said four buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.