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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any price". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.