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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

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

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.