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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that American national security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.