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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.