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In a year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.