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As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that American security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.