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In a year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report stated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.