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In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.