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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he remarked. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.