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As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he said. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.