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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

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

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that US security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.