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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report stated that US security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.