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In a year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. A report stated that US national security officials concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.