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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that American security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.