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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report stated that US national security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

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

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.