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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that his country seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.