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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict 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

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.