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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that US national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.