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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.