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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that US security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.