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As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

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

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that American security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's only refinery.