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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

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

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that American security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.