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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.