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As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.