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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "This is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

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

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates Serbia's only refinery.