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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country wants peace but not at "any price". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that US security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.