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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that American security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

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

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.