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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company manages the country's sole refinery.