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In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.