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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US national security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.