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As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

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

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report stated that American national security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.