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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he remarked. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

The president stressed that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report indicated that American security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.