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In a year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

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

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's only refinery.