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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? 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 exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.