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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he remarked. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president stressed that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that US national security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.