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In a year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

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

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that American security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.