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During his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that American national security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.