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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.