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In a year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's only refinery.