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During his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's only oil refinery.