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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.