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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.