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As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article indicated that US security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.