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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

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

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.