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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.