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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.