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In a year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that American security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.