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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "This deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What does 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 Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.