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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.