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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.