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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.