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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that American security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.