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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.