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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.