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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that US security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

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

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.