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During his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.