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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.