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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates the country's only refinery.