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In a year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

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

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole oil refinery.