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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only oil refinery.