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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report stated that American security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's only refinery.