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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

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

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that American security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.