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During his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US national security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.