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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only refinery.