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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that American security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.