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During his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.