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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.