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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.