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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that American national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.