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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US national security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.