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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that his country desires peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.