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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "This is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• 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 the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.