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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's only oil refinery.