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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.