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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was 90% complete. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that US security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's only refinery.