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In a year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should troops 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 remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.