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In a year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "And that is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video 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 credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's only refinery.