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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

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

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

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

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report stated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.