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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that US security agencies determined the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.