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In a year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was 90% complete. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.