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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that American security agencies concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.