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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article stated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's only oil refinery.