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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

The president made clear that his country seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.