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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president stressed that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US national security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company manages the country's only refinery.