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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.