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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only refinery.