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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.