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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that his country wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US national security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.