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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only oil refinery.