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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

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

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American national security agencies concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's only refinery.