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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that US national security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.