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During his year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that American security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates Serbia's only refinery.