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In a year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.