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In a year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

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

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American national security officials concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.