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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.