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During his year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.