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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% complete. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that US national security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.