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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security officials determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.