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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.