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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

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

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.