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As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report indicated that American national security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's only refinery.