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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

The president made clear that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.