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During his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages the country's only oil refinery.