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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

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

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.