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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that American security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.