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As part of his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that American national security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.